Locksmith Safety, For Locksmiths

The Jackson Sun reports that though it is not well known, serious occupational hazards exist for professionals in the locksmith industry. Los Angeles residential locksmiths and locksmiths across the country lend their support to Troy Mitchell of West Tennessee who was shot in the face last week in the morning while working on a car at an apartment complex in Tennessee.

Top Los Angeles locksmiths point out that the challenge is striking a balance between the potential dangers of making service calls and the needs of one’s customers.

Among the changes they have discussed to better ensure their own safety is creating a communication network between fellow locksmiths in the area. By staying in communication with one another while on calls, no one is out on his or her own on a call. Though people can’t help if they lock themselves out of their car, many Van Nuys locksmiths say that they have pretty much given up going out on night calls unless it’s a regular customer with whom they are already familiar.

Encino locksmiths explain that any local locksmith community is tightly knit, and they service people of all types, but the recent events have given cause for caution when responding to calls. Some locksmiths say they have driven past jobs when the situation doesn't look right or when they had a funny feeling about the scene at hand. Some also call police to provide backup in situations that they think are questionable. When responding to late night calls, which are usually the least ideal situation for a locksmith, the best defense is getting as much information as possible before going out on a call, such as asking for a driver's license number. Customers are encouraged to contact their local locksmith specialists to learn more about residential and automotive locksmith services.

Housing Market Spur Increased Number Of Calls For Locksmith Services

Business revenue for locksmiths has been impacted as well as most sectors in the United States, however, due to an increased demand for dependable locks and home security systems by struggling customers who want to hold onto their homes, Thousand Oaks locksmiths as well as security provides across the country have had their hands full, especially with re-key requests because of what’s been happening in the housing market.

Los Angeles locksmiths quote Bureau of Labor Statistics report that found there were 26,000 locksmiths nationwide in 2006, projecting locksmith jobs to increase 22 percent by 2016, one of the highest growth rates of any industry.

With so much selling and foreclosing of homes, realtors need new locks and keys so they can get into the property, and once the homes are sold, the new owner wants new locks for peace of mind and security. The increased demand from customers is providing work for many types of Los Angeles and Van Nuys locksmith security providers.

Along with further demand for Los Angeles residential locksmith work, huge increases in installations for small businesses, like jewelry stores and tobacco stores and other business in commercial complexes where there are vacancies have urged more growth in the home and office security industry. For more information and professional assessment of your property, contact your local locksmith specialists to learn more.

Homeowners Are Warned Take Precautions Against Unscrupulous Practices

If you’re locked out of the car or home, or you can't manage to get in yourself, be extra careful about who you call to the rescue -- and that's advice from top Studio City locksmiths who make it their business coming to your aid.

Beverly Hills locksmiths advise residents: Know your locksmith before you hire your locksmith
A recent TMCNet report says customers must watch for locksmith scams being reported around the country. Locksmiths have seeing these kind of scams for15 years, but it's worsened in the last five. These illegal phony so-called locksmiths flood the phone books with local numbers for locksmiths, but with fake business addresses to make customers think they are legitimate businesses. When customers call the listed numbers, they ring back to "deceptive boiler rooms" -- the offices that get the calls and dispatch someone in the field to respond. The customers typically are quoted very low prices. And then they are deceived with bills much higher than their original quotes and in some cases, ten to fifteen times higher," according to an expert Los Angeles locksmith. He also says there are copycats who run ads similar to the names of established locksmiths to deceive customers. Phony locksmiths typically arrive in unmarked vehicles when responding to calls and often only accept cash.

One thing is clear: Someone who needs a locksmith might find it difficult deciding on which one to call. When you look in the phone book, make sure the person has been here a while. A plumber is easy because there's a license number, an electrician's easy because there's a license number. That's not always the case with locksmiths. Some research is necessary. For starters, Van Nuys locksmiths suggest visiting the locksmith in person. It’s a good idea to go in and see the people, see the shop. Other ways include calling family or friends for recommendations. If you find a locksmith in the phone book, Internet or through directory assistance, try to confirm the listed address belongs to that locksmith. Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts before any work begins. Most legitimate locksmiths will provide an estimate on the phone for the total cost of work. Find out if the locksmith is insured and ask for identification, including a business card and license, where applicable. Expect the locksmith to ask you for identification. Be suspicious if a locksmith tells you up front the lock has to be drilled and replaced. After the work is completed, get an itemized invoice and price of the service call.

Improved Security At Home And While Traveling

Sherman Oaks locksmiths go over key information on establishing and maintaining a secure environment for you and your loved ones both at home and on the road.

Thousand Oaks locksmiths Say First Secure Windows And Exteriors

Burglars generally try to avoid attracting attention with the sound of shattering glass, so by making windows difficult to pry open you'll discourage all but the most desperate crooks. As a further precaution, use outdoor motion-sensor spotlights to foil burglars who work at night.

Windows

Nails: Something as simple as a couple of nails will make it virtually impossible for an intruder to pry open traditional double-hung wood-framed windows, according to top Studio City locksmith we spoke with recently. With a 5/32-inch bit, drill a set of holes at a slight downward angle all the way through each side of the lower window sash and halfway into the upper sash. Then slide a three-inch nail into each hole. To ensure that you can easily open windows, holes should be loose enough that the nails slide in and out smoothly.

Basement windows

Security bars: Woodland Hills locksmiths point out that while the windows are small, so are teenagers, who account for about 30 percent of burglary arrests annually. Mount custom-made 1-inch- or 1 1/2-inch-wide steel bars right into the window frame or, if your basement also serves as a bedroom or playroom (where a fire escape route is especially important), opt for adjustable quick-release bars.

Los Angeles Locksmiths Provide Important Home-Securing Tips

According to Time magazine, home burglaries aren't all that common. however, all it takes for someone to break into your residence or business is some motivation and a bit of skill. To adequately secure your home, you’ll need a common sense strategy and the guidance of professional locksmiths. Here are some things you can do yourself that will help burglar-proof your home.
Van Nuys Locksmiths Say It Starts With Securing Your Home's Primary Doors

Any home-security plan should begin with your main doors. Remember that the back door, especially if it's hidden from street view, can be even more vulnerable than the front. Burglars frequently ring the front doorbell and, if no one answers, go around to the back of the house, where they typically kick in a door.

Dead Bolt

Get a good-quality dead bolt for your exterior doors and you can stop worrying about that credit-card lock-shimmying trick that works not only in the movies but also in real life.

Make sure the lock has a bolt that extends at least an inch into the door frame and that the strike plate (the metal piece that mounts to the door frame and holds the bolt) is attached with screws that are at least three inches long. Installing a new dead bolt requires precise measuring and drilling -- it's best to call in an Encino locksmith.

Door guardian reinforcing latch

Far more effective than the old-fashioned chain latch, this device screws into your door frame above your doorknob and is easy to install yourself. It has a small hinged bar that keeps your door firmly shut and provides an extra point of resistance if someone tries to force it open. Slim and unobtrusive, the Door Guardian comes in several finishes, including brass.

Door reinforcer

According a specialist in safe repair Los Angeles residents can use this U-shaped metal plate that wraps around the outer edge of a wooden door and prevent pry bar-equipped intruders from gouging out their locks. There are models available to fit a dead bolt or a latch-style knob lock. (Note: A knob lock is not adequate protection on its own and should be used only in tandem with a dead bolt.) Since you'll need to remove the doorknob to install this product, have a locksmith do it when he comes to change locks.

Ten Year-Old Girl Rescued from Locked Gun Safe

9&10 News reports that a Northern Michigan girl is safe after being locked inside an old gun safe. The 10 year-old's mother says she was playing when her brother and cousin locked her inside. For emergencies such as these that require immediate locksmithing or safe repair Los Angeles residents and individuals across the country are advised to contact the police then calling a locksmith.

The boys immediately alerted the mother, and she called police to their Brethren home. Concerned she might suffocate, an officer drilled an air hole while another called a locksmith for instructions on how to open the lock, which was good thinking according to a top Van Nuys locksmith. When in a high crisis situation such as this, it is crucial to take important factors into consideration, like the safety of the victim.

The mother says the 50 year-old safe came with their house, and they didn't know how to use the combination. She says she's grateful for the officers' quick response and encourages parents to know how to use safe combinations. Many Los Angeles locksmiths tell us a lot of these built-in safes tend to be trouble areas and advise homeowners and business owners alike to be aware of the potentials hazards of built-in safes.

For more information on lock safety and what to do in an emergency, contact your local Encino locksmiths who can help you be prepared for unexpected situations like these.

Police Warn Of Door-To-Door Scam

ABC News reports that in Raleigh, police say between May 19 and June 3, four victims reported having contact with a suspect at their residences. The suspect is accused of pretending to be a neighbor and then asks for money. In each instance victims say a man came to their door and said he locked his keys in his car. The man then asks to use the victim's telephone to call a locksmith and then he asks to borrow money to pay for the locksmith.

In each instance, police said the suspect did not return the money to the victims and in some cases, the suspect asked the victim to give him a ride to supposedly meet the locksmith. The victims describe the suspect as a well dressed black man. Los Angeles locksmiths are advising local residents to take precautions against scams of this sort as they may appear anywhere.

They also say scams like these involve unscrupulous individuals targeting persons of all ages by taking advantage of their trust and willingness to help someone in need. A top Encino locksmith strongly cautions against allowing strangers into your home under any circumstances and asks residents to always immediately report any suspicious people or any form of suspicious activity to their local law enforcement officials.

The effectiveness of a scam depends on the conman’s ability to gain his or her victim’s confidence, and the victim’s own vulnerability to such attempts at securing one’s trust. According to one qualified Van Nuys locksmith, you should trust your instincts (over a stranger’s persuasive words) and remember that you have the right to tell anyone you’re not comfortable letting him or her use your property, such as home or cell phone, money, or vehicle. Regardless of what a supposed “person in need” might say, you are not required to allow access to any of your property or possession unless you are absolutely comfortable doing so.

But it is never advisable to allow strangers access to sensitive areas and information, like your home, phone number, social security number, bank account numbers, and keys. Securing one’s property means securing oneself and loved ones from possible scams such as these. In the event that someone asks for use of your phone to call for help, and you feel comfortable helping this individual, offer to make the call yourself instead regarding whatever he or she needs help with, whether it be locked keys in a car or safe repair Los Angeles locksmiths say. Again, it is strongly advised to always report any suspicious people or any form of suspicious activity to police immediately.