Archives: January 2016

The locksmith trade has evolved tremendously in the last few decades. With modern technological advances, security measures have exploded with a number of varying ways in keeping homes, automobiles, and business buildings locked. Safes, cabinets, and other devices have increased the field. As many people have come to use locksmiths, many questions arise.

Best Locksmiths would like to answer many frequently asked locksmith, lock and key questions.

We hope your question is included for convenience, but if it is not, please feel comfortable in calling The Lock Doc, and we can answer any other inquiries you may have and assist you with a number of our great services.

Locksmith Wanted – But When do you Need One?

A professional locksmith is hired whenever a locking device is in need of repair, replacement, or maintenance. Locksmiths are called upon when you have locked yourself out of your home, vehicle, or office. When a key has broken into the lock mechanism and when your home, office or vehicle is need of re-keying among many other possibilities. Best Locksmiths offer security systems as well.

Are Locksmiths Experts in Security?

A trained technician in the locksmith trade, has experience working with many different locks and security systems. Often being schooled in common ways to beat the lock or security system to effectively enhance security and increase the efficiency of locks and bolts. Hardware used for security measures continue to evolve and a locksmith knows the functioning capability and any weaknesses to pass on to consumers.

Do you Offer 24/7 Locksmith Services

Not all locksmith’s offer 24/7 emergency services, however, Best Locksmiths has a 24 hour emergency locksmith service. No one wants to be locked out of their home, office, or vehicle in the middle night, nor do they wish to cause damage to gain access. Especially if you should find yourself locked out of your vehicle in the desolate after hours, you want help – and fast to feel safe and secure again. Our emergency service can gain you entry quickly and effectively.

How Important are Original Keys?

The original keys are the keys that came packaged with your lock. They usually carry the manufacture name and are very important. If possible, it is recommended that you store away your original key and use duplicates instead. In the event you need to make additional duplicates, using an original key that has not been worn down over time as it will make copies a lot more accurately. It is not commonly practiced, but by applying this suggestion you can better preserve your original key which will be to your advantage.

What are the Dangers of a Duplicate Key?

With the proper machine and skill, a locksmith can duplicate your key. If you permit an amateur and a poor duplicate was crafted, it could damage your lock. If an incorrect key was made for your vehicle, it could get stuck in the start position, causing further damage to your starter. A trained locksmith can get a duplicate key made accurately. Be wary however, of how many duplicates you hand out. The more keys that are floating around to your home, automobile, or office means greater risk of it falling in the hands of the wrong person.

Can Just Anyone Get into a Locked Car?

It is true that there are many who can assist you in getting back into your car in the event you get locked out. Tow truck drivers and emergency personnel, along many others, are not trained, nor possess the proper equipment to get into your vehicle without causing damage. Best Locksmiths has professionals schooled to get through any lock without causing damage.

What is the Best Home Security System?

Alarm system companies love to down play the benefits a good lock and dead bolts to enhance the perks of an alarm system. Most home intruders, car thieves, or business break-ins gain access through human error. A door or window left unlocked. Many of these criminals are stopped in their tracks with the aid of state of the art hardware. Alarm systems are just as pertinent as a lock. If you should forget to lock a window or door, or an unsavory character got their hands on a duplicate key, an alarm system is a good back up plan, and most burglars are deterred away from a sounding alarm.

Are Locksmiths Qualified in Safe Services?

Locksmiths have acquired knowledge in safes. Best Locksmiths cannot only consult with you on the best safe for your valuables, but have the skill for installation and can help you decide on the most optimal place for a safe. Should you find yourself unable to get into your safe or need a combination change, our locksmiths can also help you gain access to your safe.

Residential, Commercial & Automotive Locksmiths & Safe Services Racine, Kenosha, Oak Creek & Burlington Wisconsin

Best Locksmiths offer many services the locksmith trade, and has experience and expertise to help you with any of your locksmith needs. If you have a question not answered here, please feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

Safes are a great way to store valuables, protect them from being stolen and keep family keepsakes from being damaged. Safes in the home are becoming more and more popular with the rate of home break ins going up. Homeowners are choosing to secure their valuables the best way they know how, with a heavy reliable safe. The world is familiar with the effectiveness of safes, as they are used all around the globe to protect, hide and secure some of the most valuable treasures that exist today. While a safe in your home is a great way to keep your own personal valuables protected, there are a few mega safes around the world that go the extra mile when it comes to security.
 

Fort Knox Gold Vault

One of the most popular and talked about safes on the planet is the one that resides at Fort Knox. If you were in possession of five thousand tons of gold bullion, you would most likely take extra precautions as well. Fort Knox is surrounded by four fences; two of which are electric. It is also surrounded by armed sentinels that cover the entire perimeter. Video cameras are placed at every point possible. Fort Knox also consists of walls made of granite that are four feet thick, held together by 750 tons of reinforced steel. Inside there is a maze of locked doors that lead to a 22 ton vault door. The vault can be opened, but only if you have every staff member present, as they each hold only a portion of the combination and no one knows the entire combination on their own.
 

Svalbard Global Seed Vault Security

Another popular vault that is most impenetrable is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which sits on the island of Spitsbergen six hundred and twenty miles south of the North Pole. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault holds over five hundred thousand of the world’s plant species. If the world happens to come to an end anytime soon, any hope of bringing it back to life is buried 390 feet under a Nordic Mountain. The vault is safeguarded by hundreds of miles of ocean not to mention a few polar bears as well. The vault sits so deep that it is impervious to nuclear holocaust and even earthquakes.
 

Safe Repair, Combination Changes & Unlocking | Automotive, Residential & Commercial Locksmith Services in Racine, Kenosha, Oak Creek & Burlington Wisconsin

While these vaults go to the extreme to protect some of the most valuable assets on the planet, your own possessions are still important and should be securely guarded within the safety of your home. If you are ready to take the next step in securing your valuables, it is time to start looking for the right safe that is perfect for your home. CA Lock and Key can help you find the right safe, and keep your home secure with the proper locks for all of your doors. Contact Best Locksmiths today.

We depend on our vehicles, probably more than we care to admit. If it weren’t for the modern convenience of driving to work or school, daily or even weekly errands, not to mention all of our kids excursions; we would be spending the day on a bus, or simply not going anywhere besides the absolutely necessary. No, we definitely rely on our vehicles to get us where we need to go and back home safely. Knowing that, it is best we know the facts about car theft and how to better prevent ourselves from becoming a victim.
 

Vehicle Theft Facts

– The U.S. Department of Justice has reported that an automobile is stolen every 27 seconds in the United States.
– On average, it takes a thief approximately 10 seconds to steal a vehicle.
– Honda Civics and Honda Accords are the 2 top most stolen cars according to the latest statistic.
– Honda, Toyota, Acura and GM are the top makes that thieves steal.
– Thieves are more deterred by the following factors:
• Day light hours.
• Kill switches and alarms.
• Security Cameras.
• Concerned neighbors.
– Automobiles are often stolen simply because the owner left the vehicle running unattended.
– In 2014 San Francisco – Oakland – Hayward area in California had the most reported stolen vehicles. Coming in at over 29,000 thefts. Second place was Bakersfield, CA with a significant drop of just over 5,000 vehicles stolen.
 

Car Theft Prevention

1. Do NOT keep your car running unattended. Even on that cold day when you want to warm up the car before heading to work.
2. Park your vehicle in well lit, busy areas. And even more preferable, is parking in view of security cameras.
3. Do not leave a key to your vehicle.
4. Even in a seemingly low crime kind of neighborhood, including in front of your home, keep your windows up and doors securely locked.
5. If you have to leave valuables in your automobile, be sure they safely tucked away out of plain sight. Under the seat, glove box or trunk. Do not leave a tempting prize in view.
6. If you have a garage, utilize it for your vehicle. Cars parked in the street are often targeted.
7. Keep your car well cared for. Even if you don’t have an alarm system, to thieves, a well manicured vehicle means you care, and will most likely have an alarm system.
8. If your car did not come with an alarm, install one.
9. Sometimes vehicles come with a valet key that you are not even aware of. Check your manual and see if one exists, and remove it from your car.
10. If your car has had more than one owner, hire Best Locksmiths in Wisconsin to rekey your vehicle.
 

Professional Residential, Commercial & Automotive Locksmiths in Racine, Kenosha, Oak Creek & Burlington Wisconsin

Best Locksmiths in Wisconsin has experience and expertise to help you with all of your locksmith needs. Our professionals are ready 24/7 for emergency situations and have the best equipment in the business to help you on your way.

No one should ever have to experience being a victim of a burglarized home but unfortunately, there a quite a few that do. With so many myths floating around about burglaries, it is considerably more difficult to fortify one’s home.
 

Best Locksmiths would like to debunk several of burglary myths, so you might make better decisions in locking and securing your home and the many treasures inside.

Myth: Security alarms are not a deterrent for burglars.
Fact: In a study, 9 out of 10 burglars would skip a home with alarm systems in lieu of a home without a home security alarm system. Home security alarm systems have 24/7 services. They will alert you, the police, and even their security if applicable to secure your home if the alarm is activated.
Myth: An easily locked door will keep unsavory characters out of your home.
Fact: Most burglars can pick a simple lock in approximately 60 seconds. Installation of deadbolts or keyless entry will enhance security of your home.
Myth: All locks are relatively the same.
Fact: The generic tumbler locks leave your home susceptible to break-ins using the bump key. Within the evolution of locks, there are higher tech locking systems that are bump proof.

Home Lock & Security Tips:

1. Make sure every accessible entry is closed and locked at all times. Including windows, doors and garage doors.
2. Keep the shrubs low and the trees trimmed so thieves can’t use your landscaping to help hide their approach and break in.
3. Don’t advertise your high – end possessions. Keep the expensive items out of view. Avoid leaving high priced boxes out on the street for days. Dispose of it at the last possible moment. Keep the curtains and shutters closed to hinder the criminals from making their shopping lists out of your stuff.
4. Use your exterior lights. Motion sensor are even better to alert you of movement going on outside your home. Make your contributions to neighborhood watch and alert neighbors of suspicious activity. When leaving your home for more than a few days, ask a trusted neighbor to pay close attention and retrieve any newspapers or similar clutter from your porch or driveway.
5. Even when no one is home, leave a radio or TV on along with a few lights to deter burglars. Despite the common misconception; thieves don’t desire an audience or trouble. Dogs always make good noise makers and are great property security guards.

For help in securing your Racine, Kenosha, Oak Creek & Burlington Wisconsin home, contact Best Locksmiths today!

It is in the thick of the holiday season and with it comes an increased amount of shopping, gift giving and valuables lying around the home. While the holiday season is a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones, it also presents a great opportunity for thieves to get into your home and steal your gifts and other valuables. This time of year always experiences a spike in home break ins and burglary. Unfortunately we are not all prepared for the worst or even know how to identify if someone has already attempted to get into our home without us even being aware.

Lock Inspection

There are certain signs you can look for to see if your locks have been tampered with or not. If they have been, maybe it is time to take a few extra measures when it comes to the security of your home. If your locks have not been tampered with, then you may be counting yourself lucky and that may motivate you to install additional levels of security throughout your property and home. If you recognize that a lock has been tampered with, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation the best you can.

Brute Force Home Attack

The most common type of unauthorized entry is brute force. Brute force is the messiest, most destructive type of unauthorized entry that your home may experience. Brute force usually involves the criminal bashing your locks, drilling through a dead bolt, or simply kicking the door in. A criminal that uses brute force is usually also known for destroying property within the home while looking for valuables. Signs of brute force include bent dead bolts, bent latches, warped doors and warped door frames. Pry marks are also common to see when brute force has been used to gain entry into a home.

Use of Lock Bumping Key

One of the most common techniques a criminal will use to get into your home is called lock bumping. Lock bumping is when a burglar will file down the teeth of a key into several points. The criminal will insert this key into a lock on your home and remove it one click, they then will strike it abruptly with a blunt object and repeat this over and over until the lock tumblers have all caught. Finally, they turn the key and open the door.

If you suspect that the locks on your Racine, Kenosha, Oak Creek & Burlington Wisconsin home have been tampered with, contact Best Locksmith today. Our locksmiths will install locks on your home that will withstand the attempts of a burglar and keep your home safe all year round.

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