SIGNS BETTER SECURITY IS NEEDED

Security has become increasingly important in this day and age. Whether you are thinking of enhancing security for your residence or commercial business, there are always things that can be improved. The question a lot of people have is: how do I know if I need better security? That question can be a tricky one. However, there are signs that will let you know you should improve your home security. Keep reading to find out more.

You have had a break in

This sign is the biggest and most obvious sign. If you have had a break in at your home or business, your mind will instantly turn to increasing security measures (after you get over the shock of this violation). You will first need to determine how the intruders gained access to your property. In the case of residential break-ins, almost 60% of the time entrance to the home is gained through methods of forced entry. This means the intruder simply kicks in a door, forces open a window, or uses a pry bar to cause a wedge between the door and door jamb. If this is the case, the silver lining is that you now know the weak areas of your home or business, and can reinforce those areas. If the thief came in by forcing their way in your front door, and your locks buckled under the pressure - you may choose to invest in sturdy deadbolts. If they gained access through your back patio door - you may consider looking into patio door lock solutions.

You are able to gain access through untraditional methods

Perhaps you find yourself locked out of your home. Your mind will run through all the available options you could use to gain access. You may remember that the window in the back of your house has a lock that does not work correctly. You go to the back, and are able to jimmy open the window from the outside, and thus you gain entry into your home. While this scenario works well for you, it also highlights security issues that need to be addressed in your home. Just like you were able to gain access, a burglar could also gain access through the same means.

You have weak access points

Any weak access points you find or can think of need to be reinforced. Thieves know all the usual weak points in a home, and those are the areas they will try to exploit in order to gain access to your property. What are these weak areas? They include:

●     Pet doors

●     Patio doors

●     Upper windows

These areas are notorious for their easy access. Pet doors are a great convenience, but they also can be an entry point for burglars. Some ways around this include installing a pet door that locks. You will have to get up to let your pet out (wait for them to come back in), but at least it gives an added layer of security. Another method pet owners use are collar sensors. An electronic sensor can be placed in your pet door, and only when the pet’s collar comes near will the door unlock.

If your patio door needs to have its security enhanced, then there are a lot of options available on the market. You can install a better lock on your patio door. You can also look into reinforcing the glass (if you are dealing with a glass patio door). Reinforcing the glass ensures that burglars cannot break the glass to gain access. There are also bars on the market that will not allow the door to move on the track when applied (in the case of sliding glass doors). 

If your home has a second level, it is easy to think that leaving the upper level windows open will not be a big deal. However, burglars can sometimes climb up trees that are outside of upper windows. That is why you should keep your upper windows locked if you are not at home. If there is a window that you never open, you may even consider having that window permanently sealed. 

I will also add, if you have a lot of shrubbery on your property please make sure you keep it trimmed. You don’t want to give burglars a place to hide and “case” your property.

You have never changed or rekeyed your locks

When you purchased your home, you were given a set of keys by the realtor. The realtor got these keys from the previous owner. Perhaps you just moved in and didn’t give any of it a second thought. For the most part people are honest, but you really have no idea who has a copy of the keys to your home. The previous owners could still have a copy, and gain access at any time. They could have had a tenant, cleaning lady, or landscaper who had keys to “their” house. But now, it is “your” house. Yet the same keys will still work in your locks! Think back. Did you change or rekey the locks when you moved in? If not, then this is a place to start to enhance the security of your home. A locksmith can quickly change all the locks that provide exterior access, or even simply rekey the existing locks. This is best to do so you will have peace of mind that you will know everyone who has a copy of your house keys.

If you are worried about security in your home or business, you should place a call to a local locksmith in Mableton. There are many services they can provide that will increase your homes security. A locksmith can install deadbolts, high security locks, patio door locks, and install strong locks on your windows. If you are in the Mableton, GA area and are looking for professional help, please call the experts at Mableton Locksmith GA. We are happy to provide you with a free consultation, and we can assess where you should increase your security measures in your home. Give us a call today!

The Pros & Cons of a Keyless Ignition

Newer automobiles offer keyless ignitions. This is a feature that many people tend to appreciate because of its level of convenience that it offers. However, on the other hand, there are some who don’t like the idea of a car starting simply with the push of a button. That’s right! With the push of the start button, your engine connects to a computer and starts when the right transponder key is nearby. Since we are a society that is influenced by convenience, it stands to reason that this feature is popular with many motorists today. Some people, however, would rather continue to do things the old fashioned way. Rather than starting the car without a key in the ignition, they prefer to have the key in the ignition in order to start their car.

Pros of a Keyless Ignition

1.       Hard to Steal

A thief would have to rewire your car in order to take your car. Your cars transponder key is programmed to a computer. Once the signal from your transponder key reaches the computer, it will start the engine. In some cases, when someone is attempting to maneuver your cars wiring, it will automatically shut down. All of these things make it more difficult for someone to steal your car. If you have ever had your car stolen, this may be reason enough for you to want to have a car with a keyless ignition.

2.       Convenience

If you have a ton of things in your hand and you have children to safely secure in the car, having a keyless ignition is sure to be appreciated. Having a keyless ignition makes it possible for you to avoid searching for your car keys. As long as your transponder is somewhere on you and close to the car, you’ll be able to start the car. Running around with children and having a lot of choirs makes it frustrating to have to look for your car keys. This is why those who have a lot of responsibility and are always searching for their car keys, appreciate the keyless ignition feature.

Some people, no matter what the pros are to having a keyless ignition, would rather not have it. It simply wouldn’t be responsible of us to mention the pros of this automobile feature without mentioning the cons.

Cons of a Keyless Ignition

1.      More Costly

The keyless ignition is more expensive than having a car with a standard ignition. This advance in technology is well worth the added expense to some people but not so much for others. You can find the price of the keyless ignition hidden somewhere in the overall price of the vehicle you choose to purchase. Since it takes a great deal of insight in designing the keyless ignition, it makes sense that those who design them are able to receive the compensation they deserve for being able to offer us such convenience. Also, consider the mechanisms used in designing this feature. This should also be considered when you think about why this feature would be more costly than the cost of a car with a standard ignition. Considering all that goes into the design of the keyless ignition, it must be paid for by someone. Unfortunately, there are no savings passed along to the consumer. Those who sell the models that offer a keyless ignition realize that people will actually pay for convenience.

2.      Pricier Key

The keyless ignition must have a transponder key or fob key nearby in order for the car to start. If you need to have a key made for this type of ignition, you’ll need to rely on a locksmith service that has the equipment needed in order to program this type of key. While you do not have to insert the key into the ignition, you will have to have it near you in order to start the car. In some cases, you might have to return to a dealership to have another fob key made. The price of the fob key can cost as much as $100 per key. If you have more than one car with a keyless ignition and require several spare keys, this can be rather expensive. This is something that some motorists overlook when determining whether or not to go with a car with a keyless ignition of not. This is certainly something that you should consider when choosing a car.

We would always suggest that if you opt to purchase a car with a keyless ignition, you also negotiate your spare keys at the time of purchase. The salesman may try to offer you certain features as an incentive for purchasing a particular car. Instead of accepting the features that they might offer to you, it is probably in your best interest to ask for additional fob keys instead of some of the other features they are offering. Since they want you to purchase the car, they will likely comply with your request. This will save you money in the long run.

3.      Ignition Switch Failure

Sometimes ignition switches will stop working correctly. This can happen without notice. A standard ignition is easier and less expensive to fix than a keyless ignition. Since it takes more effort to fix a keyless ignition, it will undoubtedly cost more to fix.

Whenever you are about to purchase a new car, it is a good idea to think about all of the aforementioned things. When you’re in doubt as to which type of car you will buy, one with or without an ignition, knowing the pros and cons of both should help you make your final decision. At Mableton Locksmith GA, we notice that the cost of having a keyless ignition is what the primary turn-off is for most buyers. However, there are some buyers who simply do not mind the added expenses associated with having a keyless ignition. Only you can determine if this matters enough to you.

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Have you landed in a tough spot with locks and keys? It’s definitely a lousy situation, but there’s no reason to get upset! If it’s time to track down a trustworthy locksmith, Mableton Locksmith GA is your absolute go-to locksmith in Mableton, Georgia! We’re open 24/7 ~ ready to respond immediately!

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMMERCIAL SAFES

If you own, manage or operate a local Mableton, GA business and are considering adding a commercial safe to your company, please read this post carefully. It will give you some helpful insights into what you can and cannot expect from doing this. Mableton Locksmith GA provides local commercial operations with full service, high quality business lock and key hardware and services and we have for many years. If anyone knows the advantages (and even a few drawbacks) to having a commercial safe; we do!

“I don’t have that kind of business”

We often hear that phrase, but in truth, any business can benefit and use a good commercial safe. It really doesn’t matter how many employees you have or what size your building is; a commercial safe will work to provide protection for your assets no matter what. Here in Mapleton, GA we have thousands of local firms that do business here and in the greater Atlanta Metro area. A few examples of these include apartment rentals, storage facilities, movie theaters, fine dining, convenience stores, car dealerships, auto mechanics, dry cleaners, gas stations, laundromats, condo buildings, property management, medical clinics, shoe stores, fast food outlets, grocery stores, mail centers, hospitals, private schools, bakeries and thousands more. Many of these establishments already enjoy the benefits of a commercial safe and with good reason; they truly can secure your best and most valuable property against threats of all kinds.

What you can put in your commercial safe

The answer is easy; anything you want! Hollywood has conditioned us to think that only stacks of 100 dollar bills or gold bars go in safes; not so! Yes, you can deposit cash in them. In fact, that is a great idea for restaurants, convenience stores, fast food outlets and gas stations or any other business that deals with lots of cash. In between deposits or armored car pick-ups, the cash can be temporarily deposited in your commercial safe.

You can also add other items to your safe’s contents. Examples include jewelry, property titles, credit reports, insurance documents, car registrations, passwords, key codes, flash drives, important keys, warranties, items for safekeeping, secret records, guns, numbered combinations, stock certificates, appraisals and lots more.

Many kinds of safes

Safes are as varied as the items that you can put inside of them. Commercial safes are made of different materials and come in many sizes. Close your eyes for a second and picture a commercial safe. What did you see in your mind; a large, heavy, free standing vault? Or, did you see a smaller, concealed unit built into the wall behind a picture? Actually, both are accurate representations of commercial safes. Here at Mableton Locksmith GA we sell, repair, install and service many kinds of safes. Some are best for home use and others are better adapted for business. Other Mableton, GA lock and key shops also provide commercial safe services so be sure to call your favorite local shop and find out more!

Do I really need a safe?

Sometimes, customers ask if they really need a commercial safe. Maybe they are using a system where they stash the extra cash in the file cabinet or in a desk drawer that locks. They might be putting valuables in a locker secured by a padlock. There are many ways to hide or temporarily secure business items of value. The real question is; how secure is your method? Just because you haven’t been pilfered, robbed or become a victim of employee theft doesn’t mean that it can’t or won’t happen. Many times your insurance coverage for incidents like this won’t pay out if your method of keeping items secure was flimsy or poorly thought through.

But, isn’t it easy to “crack a safe?”

Yes, very easy! In the movies, anyway! Not so much in real life as safe opening takes time and skill in order to do it right. Safes rely on number sequences, key codes, keys or even fingerprints to open them. So the answer is this; safes CAN keep your valuables safe! Whether you are using a wall safe, free standing vault, lockbox under a desktop, or floor safe, your cash and items of value truly are SAFE!

Safes also keep your secured items safe from more than just employee theft and robbery. Commercial safes protect valuables from dust, fire, moisture, rain and wind. Considering that cash and important documents are made of paper and that other items like flash drives, guns and software are easy to compromise by dust, moisture and heat, having a good commercial safe is really a good idea.

Good sources for commercial safes

There are many places in Mableton, GA to buy a commercial safe. Retail stores like Best Buy, Sears, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, and Wal-Mart are all candidates but keep one thing in mind. The sales people are almost always part time and on commission. They are there more as a customer service and not as safe specialists.

You can contact a safe store but they usually don’t deliver, set up, or service the safe when it’s needed. They almost always outsource this to others so you wind up paying hefty middle man charges. Why not contact a commercial locksmith? In Mableton, GA there are many to choose from. You get the benefit of on location service, same day appointments, free consultations, free price quotes and fast maintenance whenever needed. When asking about prices, be sure to include set up and delivery, warranty coverage, maintenance fees and anything else that comes to mind. When you deal with a full service, licensed, bonded and insured commercial locksmith shop the advantages are many so call one now to find out more!

You might also want to do some online sleuthing before you call your locksmith shop of choice. Check Amazon, Best Buy and E Bay for the best deals and to read comments and reviews on the models you might be interested in purchasing.