Security Check List

Dr Lock Locksmith and Security have made a check list that you can easily print out and check against your home or office security. Some of the security suggestions may not be relevant to your security needs.

The security check list below is only a general security check list, if you feel you would like a more detailed security solution, we can have one of  security technicians visit your home or business to inform you on  how we can improve your security.

Why you need security.

1.       Deadlocks on all perimetre doors

Deadlocks are important to keep unwanted people out of your property; Deadlocks have added strength compared to standard handle locks. Deadlocks when locked do not allow the door to be opened from the inside. This type of deadlock is called “Double Locking Deadlock.”  Deadlocks stop burglars from braking glass and unlocking the door, they also force the burglars to enter and exit  the way they entered  the premises if they do manage to enter at all. If the burglars manages to find a way in through the roof, they can not decide to enter if they cannot get out through the roof, If they find a small window and break it, they may not enter if they cannot unlock the door or if they have to climb through the broken glass.

2.       Bolt locks on sliding glass doors

Sliding doors are often targeted as a place to try and force entry, by having bolt locks it helps improve the strength of the door and door frame.  The standard sliding door locks are not as strong as they seem, it is highly recommended that extra lock be added to sliding glass doors. If locks cannot be added you can use a pole or length of wood to stop the door from being forced open.

3.       Key locks on all windows

Window locks are essential on all windows, you will most likely receive a discount from your (home or business) insurer if you have lockable locks on all windows, some houses are commonly fitted with a window lock from factory, this type of lock is not always key lockable. Most standard locks built with the window are made from plastic and are not usually as strong as locks that are fitted by qualified locksmiths.

4.       Security mail box lock

It seems strange you would need a good lock on your mail box, but with the increase of mail and identity theft, it’s worth having a good mail box lock that stop people from easily removing your mail. Thieves are targeting mail boxes because most people don’t lock their mail box at all. Mail can be used with identity theft and around different times of the year thieves also steal mail looking for gift cards or money.

5.       Garage locks

Garage locks come standard on many garage doors; Most of the standard locks offer little if any protection, and can be broken easily. It is recommended to upgrade your garage lock to a stronger heavy duty lock. Most units have garages that are in common areas, with these type of garages, thieves are able to make more noise and spend more time breaking locks without disturbing the owners. It’s not uncommon for units to have more than one resident that has had their garage broken into. Our locksmiths have seen up to 10 garages broken into at once in some unit blocks.

6.       Garden shed lock

Your common garden shed is a place that is always over looked and should be locked with a quality padlock or deadlock. The cost of a lawn mower and garden tools such as chain saws can add up to be very expensive, and thieves know they can resell the items. Large tools such as picks and shovels can be used to help the thieves force entry into your home, it’s easier for them to use the tools you provide them with to break in, rather than walk around carrying a crowbar.

7.       Fence or gate locks

By having your gates locked you improve the security of the perimeter of your home or office.  People that jump over fences stand out more them people walking through the gate, its clear the person is not invited if they don’t have the key for the gate. Gate locks can also detour thieves before they even get to the house. You can have locks that allow access to the utilities and also gives you access.

8.  Restricted security keys

Restricted keys are keys that you cannot get duplicated at your local hardware, you can issue keys to people and when you receive the key back you know there have been no other copies made. Restricted keys also improve the security in the lock itself. By using security keys your locks are less likely to be manipulated or bumped open.

9. Working Alarm system

Alarms have been in use for years, most offices or homes have an alarm of some description, over the years the alarm stops getting used or has not been used because of false alarms. If you do have an alarm it is recommended that you use it to protect your property. It is a simple process to service the alarm and have the alarmed checked. You can also have the alarm system upgraded to take advantage of all the new modern features. A working alarm system can stop the intruder and force them to run away when the sirens sound. You can also use your alarm system for security when you are home, home invasions have become more common over the last 5 years. Having the alarm sound will reduce the chance of a confrontation with an intruder. Consider if you are the only house on the street with out a visible alarm unit, who do you think thieves will target?

10. Intercom system

Intercom systems allow you to talk to the person before you open the door or open the gate. You allow yourself more time and distance from the person at the door station. By using a good intercom with a security camera you can see who is at the door and make a decision if you want to open or not. It’s also a lot easier to say "no" or "go away" over the intercom.

11. Security camera system

Security cameras are not only for commercial premises, they are continuously being installed in domestic residences too.The ability to see the front of your house or that side gate can be a huge security advantage. Not only do you have the cameras to inform you, this footage can be recorded and used to help identify intruders. Without security cameras you are left with very little evidence to find out what has happened. Video evidence can help the police and also other local residents should an incident occur.

12. Access control system

This type of system allows you to swipe cards or token to let people in and out of doors and buildings, this can all be done with programming the access control systems to suit the times that you would like on the tokens and cards you would like to work. Access control can be used in all different types of applications including residential.  Access control gives the owner of the system power of who can and who can’t enter and what times they can enter. Access control is most important in offices to stop unwanted people entering into places that are for staff only. Thieves have been targeting offices that they can walk into to, where doors are not locked, and stealing laptops and valuables during the middle of the day with other staff on the premises. Access control is a way to keep employees in and unwanted people out.