SECURITY FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
Locks, keys and security hardware protect our belongings and assets. You can find locking mechanisms on cars, jewelry cases, lockers, storage rooms, offices, mailboxes and other items that are of value to us. Knowing this, it just makes sense to get the best security that we can for our homes. After all, we live there and so do our loved ones, family members, pets and once in a while, our guests. We also keep our private belongings at home and these can include furniture, clothing, books, treasured mementos, photographs, art, jewelry, electronics, and other items that bear worth or mean a lot to us. Johns Creek 24/7 Locksmith also knows that one of the most valuable things of all is found at home; privacy!
Who or what is the threat?
It isn’t always obvious. Sure, burglars and home invaders are on the list but really no one has business entering your home unless you invite them to. This includes nosy neighbors, vagrants, homeless, salespeople, relatives, church friends, even local government and law enforcement (without just cause). We can’t just rely on good manners to keep these folks out so most homeowners and renters rely on residential security for basic and advanced protection while at home.
Let’s hear it for door locks!
Every home, condo or apartment in Johns Creek, GA has to have door lock on it when it is sold or rented; it’s the law. The problem is not whether it has a lock, but how GOOD is that lock? It’s a sad fact but 90% of these front door locks can be opened in mere seconds by just about anyone, even a middle school student! You see scenes on television where government agents, spies or police can pick their way into your home. Or, they just kick the door in! In reality, it is much simpler as most all door locks can be pried, bumped, picked, or smashed open rather quickly, too. The reason for this is simple. Builders have to add a door lock on any home that is built or sold. Nothing says it has to be a good one. Better quality locks are considered upgrades. A basic home is not going to have granite counters, spa tubs, blazing fireplaces, double pane windows or upgraded locks. The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true here.
Lock bumping
Lock bumping is an easy and super-fast way to get into any home. You buy or make a bump key, insert it in any door lock, lightly bump or tap it which jumbles the interior pins about and seconds later, the lock is opened. There are even videos online telling you where and how to get the key and how to bump a lock. Not only are most homeowners vulnerable to this, but lock bumping also leaves no trace of forced entry! Try filing an insurance claim or even a police report with no evidence that anyone actually broke in! What to do about all this!
First of all, relax! Even in these higher crime times, there are affordable and simple solutions that you can implement almost immediately. Start by locking your doors when at home and not just at night or when you are out and about. Good habits are formed by repetition so always remember to lock your front and back door whenever you think about it. You don’t have to be paranoid but taking an extra precaution like this can pay big dividends later. If you have children, teach them to do the same. Unless you live in a small town where “everyone knows your name” and watches each other’s houses, you really must rely on good door locking habits. A huge percentage of home burglaries take place not just here in Johns Creek, GA but all over the country, because the crook simply just walked in!
Deadbolt security
Does your home have a deadbolt lock on the front door? Not just any deadbolt lock, but a good one? Believe it or not, this small piece of hardware can be a huge deterrent to someone trying to gain illegal access to your home. Most all burglars want “fast and easy” access. Unless you have priceless art or mounds of gold bars in your house, most burglars simply want to get in and get out with your cash, electronics or jewelry. Once they get past your door lock they DON’T want to try to circumvent your deadbolt, too! Most will simply give up in frustration and move on to another home. Taking the time to bypass your deadbolt allows you extra time to call police or even arm yourself. They don’t want that!
High security locks
Strongly consider having bump proof or high security locks installed at your home. They are not expensive and the do work! These locks cannot be picked open. They also cannot be pried, smashed, bumped or even blasted open. This is because they are built better and stronger than conventional locks. We invite you to call Johns Creek 24/7 Locksmith or your favorite local Johns Creek lock and key shop and find out more. It will be well worth your while!
Rekey your locks
By having your locks rekeyed, you do three things. Your locksmith can remove any remaining master pins that still remain in your lock from original installation. These pins tend to weaken your lock and put it at risk for easier lock picking. Also, rekeying eliminates the use of all keys that have been used to date. This is because the inside pins and springs are changed so that only new keys can be used. When you think of all the key duplicates that have been in circulation since your house was built, it can be mind boggling. Any one of these in the wrong hands can have bad consequences for your home security. As you can see, making some small and inexpensive changes to your habits and door locks can provide tremendous amounts of home security and protection.