When you are ready to head for bed, most people have a routine to make sure that windows are closed, doors are locked and lights are out. Everyone wants to feel secure in their home and having good locking doors is the best way. The amount of burglaries are on the rise and the closer you get to the upcoming holiday season the more it will happen. Another trend on the rise is forced entry theft. This is when the thief is willing to break down a door to get into a home and take what they want. All doors have a locking mechanism that will secure the door but most are not secure enough to keep someone out that really wants in.

The Lock Doc suggests adding a deadbolt to your door and has prepared the following reasons as to why it’s a good idea.

A deadbolt is an extra lock that works differently than a standard front door lock. It is installed independent of the standard lock and handle. A standard lock works with a spring that means that it can give away easily if it is smashed up against. The deadbolt does not work as a spring and when it is engaged it can stop a door from breaking down. The deadbolt, when it is fully engaged, inserts into the frame of the door. If a burglar tries to get in they will have to work much harder to gain access. It may deter them if they think they are drawing too much attention and they may choose to move on. To have a deadbolt installed it is best to use a professional locksmith. If it is not installed correctly it will not secure the door the way that it was intended. The professional will make sure that the mechanism has enough room to engage fully into the door frame.

Professional Deadbolt Installation & Locksmith Services in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

There are several types of deadbolts that you can choose from. There is a standard deadbolt that locks from the inside of the home or office and requires a key to open it from the outside. You can also get a lock that needs a key on the inside and outside although this is not optimal for a residential door. After you choose the type of deadbolt that you want, you can choose the color or finish that will match the hardware that is already on the door. When you are ready, call The Lock Doc to get a new deadbolt installed.

You did it! You took the plunge and opened your business. The joy of being your own boss has just become a reality. Opening your business is very rewarding, but can also be very stressful. If there is one thing you shouldn’t need to worry about is the safety and security of your livelihoods work space. Whether you are an established business or just starting, it is an unfortunate necessity to keep your building secure during hours of operation and especially during closing time. Consulting a professional from The Lock Doc will only enhance your security, but here are a few things you can do to get started.

Exterior Business Security

Lighting – An intruder’s best ally is the darkness. They use little or no lighting to their advantage. Be sure the building perimeter is well lit, motion lighting is the better choice in keeping the outside of your property lighted. If you do have unsavory stalking the business grounds, an unexpected light coming on might be enough to have them rethink targeting your building and move on.

Landscaping – You don’t always get to control this one, but if you do, you can create a natural barrier in front of your building. Contact your gardener and find the perfect shrub. Bushes standing three feet and extremely thorny will add protection to your property.

Fences and Gates – If you property has the added benefit of fencing and gates, walk the fence line and ensure there are no flaws, or weaknesses in the fence. All gates should be able to open and close completely. Adding decorative points to the tops of fences and gates will reduce the option of a potential burglar hopping over. If the gate is easily opened with a slight pressure, adjust the gate and make sure it is functioning properly.

Business Entrances, Locks & Access

Traditional Keys – Approximately 1/3 of break-ins are done with keys to the building itself. The least amount of employees having a key reduces the risk of keys lost or acquaintances having access. Though you may have hired an honest employee, doesn’t mean the people they know are. If you hire handyman or domestic assistance, schedule their services during business hours, or when you need to work a late night outside of hours of operation as opposed to lending keys out.

Security Locks and Keys – In this day and age, the more high – tech locks and security is the best protection. If the traditional key is still your cup of tea, opt for the higher quality keys you have to obtain from a distributer. They are typically the square heads with “do not duplicate” printed on them.

Indoor Business Security

Lighting – Keep common areas well lit. During closed hours it is still good to keep a few lights burning. Keeping in mind the fish aquarium, if there is still a good visibility, the intruder make think twice at being seen and move on.

Security Cameras – Security cameras are always a wise investment. Even if your building is victimized, a high definition security camera can help police in catching the perpetrator.

Commercial, Residential & Automotive Locksmith Services in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

Where these tips are a good way to strengthen your building, having professional security systems is always ideal. Consult with one of our skilled specialists at The Lock Doc, and get your business’s property professionally secured with one of our elite security systems.

When you think about the amount of keys that you use throughout your life it is probably a lot. You use a key for your car, a key for your house, a key for your office. You might have a key to a safe or a key to the mailbox. All of these keys change as you move or get a new car. There are moments when the key may come up missing or a key needs to be duplicated. This can be because you have a new driver or you need to leave a spare key with a family member. When you need a key made do you know what the process is and what it takes to have one made? The Lock Doc has a run-down of what it takes to make a key.

Unique Locks

Locks are unique and each one is made so that a key that is cute precisely the right way will unlock it. When a key that fits is inserted into the locking mechanism it will connect with the lock and engage it. This will then lock or unlock it and allow what it is attached to remain secure or be able to be opened. When you lose a key or you need a duplicate made it has to be done with expert precision.

How a Key is Made

First a key size is chosen so that when the final product is done it will fit the lock that it is intended for. The key is made of metal and can be cut to size. The proper equipment is needed to make sure that the key is cut correctly. If the key cut is off by the slightest amount, it will not work. Nothing is worse than getting a key cut and getting home only to find out that it doesn’t work. When you hire a locksmith to cut a key you want to be sure that they are experienced and have the right tools and equipment to cut it right the first time.

Expert Keys Cut & Other Locksmith Services in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

The Lock Doc has the ability to expertly cut and replace any key that you may lose or need to have replaced. Call us today for your locksmith needs, we are able to come to you and help with a lockout from your car or your home.

There is a multitude of ways where a safe in a home can be of benefit. There is a number of people who do not have one, and don’t feel they really need to invest in a safe.

The Lock Doc would like to touch on just a few reasons why you should own a safe, the best place to install, and which types of safes are best for you:

Protection from Burglary – Burglary protection is the first reason to own a safe that most people conclude. Keeping an emergency stack of cash in the home is best protected in a safe. For gun owners; keeping your firearms in a safe will not only protect little fingers from finding the weapons, but also ensures that intruders can’t use your own gun against you. Valuables such as jewelry and family heirlooms or family photos should be stored in a fire proof safe. Then there are irreplaceable valuables such signed baseball cards or an autographed poster from Marilyn Monroe. We may like to showcase these items but understand that they are easily snatched should your home be victimized by intruders. Valuables such as these things are better kept in a safe. A safety deposit box in a bank will offer the best protection, but lacks the inconvenience of a home safe.

Fire protection – This usually comes to mind as an afterthought. Once someone has actually experienced losing important documents or the emergency cash kept in the sock drawer or under the mattress to fire, they begin to understand. After a fire, it most likely dawns on us to acquire a safe that offers protection not only from burglaries but also fires. Documents such as passports, birth certificates, social security cards, deeds and titles, tax records and Wills should be encased in a fire proof safe along with our treasures.

Gun and Other Safe Sizes

Considering the above reasons to own a safe, it is quite a daunting task to ensure you pick the right safe for you. Size is also a major consideration. The easiest way to pick the size of your safe is to collect all the things you want protected in it. Once you have gathered your items, you can then find the right fit for your needs.

Types of Home Safes & Locks

What kind of safe is right for you? Obviously picking the safe best for burglary protection that is fire and water proof are the right choice, but what else is there? There are floor safes, wall safes, gun safes and hidden safes. Then there are the types of lock to be considered. Dial lock or electronic? Then if you go that route, as with all things electric – what maintenance is involved?

Best Safe Location

Placing your safe in the optimal location is essential. Generally, robbers tend to go to the master bedroom. Basements are great for floor safes. But choosing a place where you are able to retrieve your precious things should be in the room you occupy most often.

Safe Installation, Combination Change & Unlocking Service in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

There is much to weigh in when choosing a safe for your home, and installation can be daunting. Hire a professional from The Lock Doc to help you with all your safe need. Among our many services, we can answer any questions you have pertaining to your safe and make sure your safe is properly installed in the most ideal place.