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Sometimes, the realization catches you off-guard; you might need better security! Maybe something happened in your neighborhood or in a local store that is near you. You might have noticed an increase in crime news stories. Maybe a friend or family member has been robbed or taken advantage of recently. No matter how it happens, the realization that better security is needed is a scary one, but one that should be taken seriously.
The days of not locking your door at night or allowing your neighbors to freely walk into your home without knocking are over. People keep to themselves a lot more, and often, they don’t know their neighbors at all. This is partly due to more members of the household working and also to residents not living in the same home or area as long as they used to. Here at Locksmith Lynn, we are often asked how to tell when greater security is needed? Do you wait until “something” happens or do you pre-plan for possible future problems?
Something free that you can do now
Not everything costs money. One thing that you can do now that is totally free and ever so useful is to learn to be aware. Don’t go too far with this as you might start acting or becoming paranoid and that doesn’t help anyone. But do be more cognizant of your surroundings, whether you are at home, in your car, at work, or at your place of business. We’ve all noticed shoppers leaving purses or other valuables in the shopping cart while walking away to get a can of peaches or some lunch meat. Be aware of your surroundings and that includes the people near you, as well. Maybe you just pulled up to the movie theater and are helping the kids get out of the car. Are you cognizant of others that are around your vehicle or eyeing your children? Do you notice any strange or unfamiliar cars or people outside your home? Do any cars drive by slowly and make repeat rounds?
Make good habits
Lynn, MA has affluent neighborhoods and some that are not. Crime can happen in either one. People often expect more crime in less prosperous areas but those looking to commit a burglary or home invasion know that there is greater opportunity for illegal gain if they go where the money is. Good habits are made with repeated use. Get in the habit (your family, too) of locking doors, drawing the curtains, leaving a porch light on, paying attention to strange or unusual noises, etc. Even listening to the dog is a smart thing! Dogs are sensitive to noises and smells and will often bark or act different if they sense danger is nearby. This applies not only to your pet but to your neighbor’s as well.
Start locking the garage’s door leading into your house whenever possible. An accidentally left open garage door can seem like an invitation to a would-be robber or intruder. Also, if you have a deadbolt; use it! They provide a much needed second line of defense against illegal entry. A correctly installed deadbolt can frustrate a burglar to the point that he simply gives up. It also gives you extra time to call police or grab a gun!
What else?
Here’s a smart tip. Put a motion detector light above your garage door or front door and activate it when it’s dark. This can help scare off would-be intruders and at least them know that you have security on your mind. Also, trim hedges, bushes and trees around your property. As creepy as it sounds, many crime victims were first observed from behind shrubbery that allows criminals to see who is home, who might be armed and the general layout of your home.
Spare keys
Spare keys can be great; and they can be a nightmare! It all comes down to how you use them. Make spares from an original key only. This preserves the integrity of the key without copying a copy from a copy, etc. Doing so only reduces the effectiveness of the last copy made. Do give a spare only to trusted persons. This may include staff members, co-workers, family members or neighbors. Don’t leave a spare in an obvious place where a burglar or criminal will look first. If you hide a spare key, take a little time to find a place where you will remember it and where a criminal would not.
Rekeys
Rekeying your Lynn, MA locks is a good idea. This act is affordable, easily done, and can supply you with a new set of keys for you and your close associates. You keep the same locks but during a rekey, the locksmith changes the interior springs and pins so that all original keys no longer work. A fresh start with a different key set can be invaluable so call your locksmith and schedule yours today!
