Most home owners would not consider restricted key systems when choosing locks for their home simply because they are NOT AWARE they are available, it is often considered a security solution only for businesses. Restricted keys enhance the security provided by any lock and without them, even ‘high security’ locks can be compromised by the keys being copied at random with little or no control.

At Authorized Access we will fit a security lock to your door then register its keys to YOU; this stops duplicate keys being cut without your knowledge, giving you total control of the keys to your home or business.

Restricted keys allow you to give a cleaner or other tradesman the key to your home and as long as you get it back, you know they will have been unable to obtain copies. At work, staff issued with keys to premises are unable to have extra keys cut without your express permission, again GIVING YOU TOTAL CONTROL over who has access to your premises.

Where would this be useful?

• Business premises with multiple key holders.
  • Keep control and know which members of staff have keys
• At home where keys are made available to cleaners, neighbours, tradesmen etc.
  • As long as you get the keys back you know nobody has been able to get copies made
• Churches, Schools, Clubs and Sports Clubs with multiple key holders.
  • Nobody who is unauthorized will be able to get keys copied
• Any situation where key control is required.
  • Stay in control of your security
  • 
    

IN BUSINESS

Looking after property, stock and the people who work within the business makes great business sense. It is vital that you make sure that the security measures taken are appropriate, realistic and cost effective. You need to keep criminals out while allowing your customers, suppliers and employees in.

Your business activity will guide your approach to security. In simple terms, high value products will attract more criminal activity and demand a higher level of security, however even those items with a perceived low cost value will be attractive to somebody. Taking a logical approach to securing your business will help ensure you don’t miss anything that might help deter crime. “In the current climate, the effect of interruption to business is greater than ever before.

By changing the locks and installing a RESTRICTED KEY SYSTEM you guarantee that you are in total control of who has keys and therefore access, to your property. Taking these simple steps now may save you from considerable heartache and upset later and costs little more than other non restricted options.

“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering restricted keys as a means of securing your property, where you can be assured that trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”

For assistance contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS or call 0161 762 9936, where our fully trained staff will guide you through the process.

What a week!  Not only did our customers vote us the Best Service Provider in Bury 2010 in the Homes & Garden category, through the ‘Best Of Bury’ website but we also became the 3^rd ‘Most Loved Locksmith’ in the whole UK in a nationwide campaign competed for through the Best Of Websites.

The local award was won by a straight vote between twelve local companies, votes coming from their highly satisfied customers, who took the trouble to register on the Best Of Bury website and vote specifically for their chosen company.

The national award was as the result of a nationwide competition in which over 30,000 UK businesses received nominations and Authorized Access emerged as the third placed business in the Locksmiths Sector.

Owner, David Ramsden says “We are all thrilled and highly honoured that our customers feel strongly enough to have bestowed these awards upon us and thank everyone who voted. We also hope that this will give anyone thinking of using the services of Authorized Access, total confidence that we will satisfy all their security needs.” David believes their success is due to a great team, who’s dedication to exceptional customer service is paying great dividends.

Authorized Access, Bury’s only Master Locksmith’s Association Approved Locksmith, celebrates it’s 21^st anniversary on 1 April this year and is supporting Bury Hospice as it’s chosen charity throughout it’s year of celebration.

1. Did you change your locks when you moved into your house/business?

YES/NO

1. Can you be sure that no one has ever had access to your keys and may have been able to copy them? Neighbour, tradesman, cleaner etc?

YES/NO

1. To have your keys copied would you need to give your express permission to the person cutting the keys?

YES/NO

1. Are you certain that all the locks on your external doors conform to British Standards?

YES/NO

1. Do all your downstairs or accessible windows have key operated locks and do you lock them and remove the key?

YES/NO

1. If you were burgled are you 100% confident that you would have taken all the necessary steps to make sure your insurance company would pay out?

YES/NO

If you answered NO to any of the above then you MUST take advantage of our NO COST home or business security audit where we can offer no nonsense advice to ensure you comply with the minimum insurance requirements.

“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering your home security needs.You can be assured that our trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”

For assistance in selecting the ideal solution for your needs, contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS where our fully trained staff will guide you through the selection process.

May we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

New Year Security Tips
 

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas behind us, what a great feeling, we are finally able to take some time to relax and enjoy those new and exciting presents.  Golf clubs, lap top, games console, gold bracelet, mobile phone, all with no expense spared.

I wonder what the thief is thinking!  His Christmas has come and gone and now he knows for a fact that virtually every home holds rich pickings for him.

Are you simply going to sit back and allow him to take what he wants, thinking he too should have what you have?

There are ways of protecting those things your hard earned money has paid for, either by physically preventing them being taken or acting as a deterrent, thieves want an easy life, are you prepared to give them that?

Unfortunately security is a selfish thing, we can not stop crime but by improving YOUR security the criminal moves ‘down the street’ to the next weakest link!

Here’s how:

Golf clubs - Property marking individual clubs and cable locking to an anchor eye when stored in the garage.

Lap Top - Property marking and using a ‘Lap Saver’ security locking kit when using away from home or office.

Games Console – Property marking and displaying warning signs to deter the thief, cable security kits could be used to attach the console to other less portable objects, i.e. TV Stand.

Gold Bracelet – Small domestic safes cost much less than most people think.

Mobile Phones – Phone marking kits personalise and make phones easily identifiable.

There are practical solutions to all your security needs, including simple advice and tips. 

For more information go to www.authorized-access.co.uk
or call 0161 762 9936.
 

Damian Clarkson writes on MSN News, July 31 2009:

Manchester is the most burgled area in the UK, suffering almost 20 break-ins every single day.

According to new Home Office Data, Manchester had 7,167 domestic burglaries last year, equal to 35 for every 1,000 households. Worryingly, the crime problem appears to be worsening in the area, having risen 8% from 6,646 a year earlier.

To see complete article:  http://money.uk.msn.com/consumer/article.aspx?cp-documentid=148909630

‘Take action to protect your family and home.  Stay one step ahead of the burglars and sign up to our FREE Security Updates’

Authorized Access Security Updates

What is a restricted key?

A restricted key is a key which may only be coppied (cut) with the express permission of it’s owner. 

This means that if you have locks fitted to your home or business which have restricted keys, then you can be sure that nobody will be able to have keys cut without your permission.

The advantages of this are:-

• Any key loaned to a neighbour, friend, tradesman (painter & decorator, etc) which is subsequently returned will not have been able to be copied.
• If you ever lost or missplaced your keys but then had them returned, you would be confident that nobody had been able to have copies cut. 
• If a family member, child, etc. or employee lost their key, they would be unable to simply borrow another and get it cut without your permission.
• You will know exactly how many keys to your property are in existence. 
• Nobody who should not have keys to your premises will have them.

 Locks that use Restricted Keys

Locks which are operated by restricted keys are usually of the type which can be ‘re-keyed’, meaning that the locksmith who supplied the locks would be able to change the pinning arrangement within the lock to enable new keys to be issued for it and invalidate existing keys.

The advantages of this are:-

• If keys are lost or stolen, the locks can be re-keyd at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.
• Locks can be ‘keyed alike’ or made to work by the same key, meaning fewer keys to carry, for ease and convenience.
• The ‘One Key House’, all doors in your house could work with the same key for convenience.
• Additional locks could be added to your suite at a later stage, thus allowing your security system to grow with you.
• Locks can be Master Keyed to offer tiered levels of security within a commercial environment or in Churches, schools or other multi user situations.

Are these locks expensive?

Locking systems with restricted keys have become much less expensive in recent years.  Some reputable locksmiths now have access to keys with a ‘unique profile’ which means that the key blanks that fit their locks are only available to them, ensuring that unauthorized key cutters are not able to cut their keys illegally.  These locking systems are relatively inexpensive and can in some case be provided at no more expense than readily available unrestricted systems.

Always use a Master Locksmith’s Association approved locksmith to supply your locks and associated security products, that way you will be sure that your supplier is legitimate and works within the guidelines of the locksmith’s industry lead body, who vet and regularly inspect it’s member companies.

The rate at which spare keys are not reclaimed is highest in rental properties where 7% of tenants do not reclaim spare keys when they move on.

The main recipients of spare keys from the majority of householders are family members (73%); 14% give spare keys to neighbours and 8% give spare keys to friends. These figures do not include those of us who ‘loan’ keys to tradesmen/cleaners or simply leave a spare key under the mat.

If you don’t change the locks to your home as soon as you move in, it is unlikely that you will know exactly how many sets of keys were cut and are in circulation for your new property.

Do you know exactly who has or has had keys to your home and how many copies there are out there? (Remember to think about previous occupants, cleaners, tradesmen, neighbours etc)

“If you have just moved house you are almost twice as likely to be burgled” 

According to Home Office statistics, you are almost twice as likely to be burgled in the 12 months after moving house compared with the average burglary rate (4.6% compared with 2.5%). You are nearly three times as likely to be burgled compared with those who have occupied their property for 10 years or more (4.6% compared to 1.6%).

Alarmingly those households with no home security measures were almost ten times (22.5%) more likely to be victims of burglary compared to households that carry out simple security upgrades (2.5%) such as fitting deadlocks on doors and fitting window locks.

“Avoid becoming an easy target for burglars”

Take the first step towards a more secure life, click on the link below and sign up to our no cost security updates.  Join us and stay one step ahead of the burglars.

Click on the link  Authorized Access

Holiday Time Security

A good holiday should be relaxing and stress-free, but to truly unwind you’ll need to know that your home will be safe and secure while you are away.

“Follow the steps below to give yourself peace of mind – and a better chance of enjoying your time away”

• Ask a good friend or neighbour to help you keep your home safe and secure whilst you are away.
• Leave clear instructions and a holiday contact number in case of an emergency.
• If possible, cancel all milk and newspaper deliveries before you leave.
• If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have left a key and instructions with someone you trust.

“If you are concerned about cancelling deliveries, consider offering your friend or neighbour free milk or newspapers for the period you are away!”

• The period just prior to your holiday is a good time to make a list of all the valuable items in your home and check that your home contents insurance is up-to-date.
• Mark valuable items with your postcode using an approved property marking kit or data-tag and keep a record, including photographs, where necessary.
• Leave valuable items of jewellery in a house-safe or in a safety deposit box at your bank.

“Permanently and visibly marked property is obviously identifiable and consequently there is some deterrent to stealing it.  Burglars have been known to leave property at the scene of a burglary due to good marking”

• Close, lock and bolt all exterior doors and windows.
• Fit proper security locks to your garage and garden shed and make sure all equipment and tools are locked away.
• Do not leave ladders around your property, lock them away or secure them with a suitable padlock and chain.       
• Lock and bolt your garden gates.

“Make sure that material capable of being used to help an offender commit a crime is not accessible”

• Cut the lawns.  
• Try to make your home look occupied. Don’t leave the curtains closed and consider investing in some automatic time switches for lights and perhaps a radio or television in a downstairs room.
• Consider asking a friend or neighbour to take in your post and draw the curtains at night. You could also ask them to park their car on your drive.            
• House-sitters are becoming increasingly popular but make sure you go to a reputable company or act on the personal recommendation of a friend.

“Most domestic burglaries are committed by ‘opportunists’. Criminals pick a house that looks unoccupied, has little or no obvious security and where they think they won’t be seen”

At the airport:

• Don’t put your home address on your outward-bound luggage – this part of your luggage tag can be completed, as you are packing to come home.
• Never leave your baggage unattended in the airport terminal.
• Consider putting an extra padlock on your suitcases to deter would-be thieves – but make sure you know where you’ve put the key!

“Use a combination padlock which means you don’t need to worry about a key” 

• If you suspect your baggage has been tampered with, report the incident immediately – making a list of any valuables you have packed will help you check your belongings. 

Traveling to the USA?

With the need for increased security in airports in the United States, luggage can now be opened by ‘Travel Sentry Approved’ personnel to establish it’s contents, even if it means breaking the padlock on your bags!

“Use TSA accepted padlocks and the luggage can be opened and checked and then relocked without the need to damage the lock”

While you are away…  

A holiday is a time for relaxing and getting away from it all. Unfortunately, one of the things which does not go away is the risk of being targeted by thieves, particularly as most people are less vigilant whilst on holiday.

Having your passport, money or valuables stolen can ruin your holiday, so follow our simple guidelines and make sure you don’t give thieves the chance.             

• Make it difficult for pickpockets. Carry your purse or wallet in a fastened inside pocket or bum-bag – never in your back pocket!
• Divide your cash and credit cards so they can be carried in two different places, reducing the risk of having everything stolen.
• Carry your passport only when necessary – otherwise leave it locked in a safety deposit box.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Credit and debit cards are much safer and can be replaced.
• Consider using Travelers Cheques when travelling abroad. Unlike cash, they can be replaced if they are lost or stolen.
• Choose a handbag that can be securely fastened and carry it close to your person.
• Never leave it unattended!
• Be particularly vigilant when using ATM machines or leaving the bank or foreign exchange bureau.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye on your personal belongings. Remember that you are less alert when you are tired!
• Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and take advice from the local tourist information office or your holiday representative about any areas you should avoid.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings whilst eating, drinking or making a purchase in a shop.
• Choose a place where your children or other members of your family can be re-united if you become separated. This should be somewhere busy and easily recognisable, like a police station or post office.
• Consider investing in a strong nylon shopping bag in which you can carry all your purchases. Carrier bags from expensive stores or jewellers are more likely to be targeted by thieves and carrying lots of bags may make you more vulnerable.
• Hire a safety deposit box or use the hotel safe and keep money, passports, tickets and valuables in it.
• Don’t leave safety deposit box keys in your room.
• Always lock all doors when you go out and don’t leave balcony doors or other windows open.

            Finally, enjoy your holiday!

“Follow the link below to give yourself peace of mind – and stay one step ahead of the criminals”

http://www.authorized-access.co.uk/sign-up-to-free-security-updates

The Government are all too aware of these trends and are encouraging professional security organisations to take appropriate steps to raise awareness. 

In a recent news letter, John Bates, Chief Executive of the British Insurance Industry Association (BSIA) said, “Our message to the home owner remains clear – quality home security can make a real difference in protecting your home from burglary.  Whilst it might be tempting to avoid investing in security, the damage, loss and sense of invasion from a burglary can have a long-term effect that should not be underestimated.”

The British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) 2007/8 retail crime survey shows that one shoplifting offence is committed every 90 seconds in the UK and retailers remain seriously concerned that the economic slow down will wipe out falls in retail crime achieved over the past year.

According to the Daily Telegraph, levels of reported robbery have risen by 17.5% even in rural areas, since December 2008.

All these statistics are not designed to scare or shock but simply to raise awareness in a way that encourages home and business owners to take an informed approach to their security and obtain professional advice from local security companies, ensuring that those companies are recognised and approved by appropriate industry bodies, like the ‘Master Locksmiths Association’ to ensure that their security is appropriate and cost effective in the current climate.

BSIA’s John Bates says, “Don’t be tempted to cut back on security without ensuring the level of risk you face has been protected against.  Such decisions may well prove to be costly in the long run with insurance excess and the loss of time and disruption that crime results in making a real impact, not to mention the human cost of any crime.  By choosing quality security suppliers and making an informed decision you will be well placed to protect yourself in the face of changing crime trends.”

Take advantage of free security surveys offered by some approved local companies to ensure your security is appropriate and effective before it’s too late!!