Deadlocks are a valuable security measure for almost any kind of external window or door.
Did you know that the most common point of entry is the front door?
If you’re negligent about security, you’re leaving your home or office vulnerable to thieves who may enter a property… without force!
What do you think about victims of crime who had left doors and windows unlocked? To an outsider, the prospect of leaving doors and windows unlocked may be foolish, but it doesn’t excuse a thief’s actions, does it? It doesn’t make the victim any less deserving, right?
This Leicestershire officer believes that robberies in which the victim had failed to lock their doors and windows should not be investigated. His comments sparked outrage as they turned the blame onto the victim who may have made an innocent mistake, rather than the thief who’s committed a criminal act.
While his comments may have been out of line, there is a risk that careless actions may void or invalidate your insurance policy (or at least a part of your claim.) All insurers are different, but whether a claim is honoured or not may rest on evidence (or lack thereof) of a forced entry into your home or office.
Home burglaries
AAMI surveyed 3000 adults in 2014 and found that:
- 27% admitted to leaving their front or back door unlocked
- 32% admitted to leaving windows unlocked
- 1 in 5 admitted to leaving keys under door mats or pot plants
- 30% of those surveyed have been the victim of a break-in
The above statistics might be the push we need to re-evaluate our home’s security and see where it can improve.
Once such solution is deadlocks! When used properly, they can add a strong layer of security to your home. Read on to learn how…
Are deadlocks safe and secure?
They sure are, if they are used the right way.
What does that mean?
Well, there seems to be a debate over the usage of deadlocks, most notably between insurance companies and fire and safety departments. Insurance companies recommend deadbolts to increase the security of your home, but in terms of safety, deadbolts can pose a risk when they are misused.
Using deadlocks the right way
Deadlocks offer an extra layer of security to your home or office, but it’s important that when you use a deadlock while in the home, you do not lock it. If you do, you should ensure the key is left in the lock so that in the case of an emergency (like a fire), you can quickly exit and not lose precious moments finding the key.
Similarly, do not leave a key in a deadlock (even on the inside) when you leave the home. If a thief enters your home (through any other door or window), a key in the deadlock gives them the perfect opportunity to unlock it and comfortably exit your home… with your possessions!
Many property managers and real estate agents require deadlocks to be installed in rental properties, and insurance companies think similarly: when a deadlock is used properly – where a key is not left in a door when you leave the home – it makes it harder for a thief to exit a property with larger items (think televisions and other appliances).
How to use deadlocks
To summarise:
- Do not keep deadlocks locked on the inside when you are at home unless the key is in the lock
- Remove the key from the deadlock when you lock it and leave the house (so the only way it can be re-opened is from the outside when you return home)
Rekey your home or office
After you’ve read this blog post, are you rethinking your home or office’s security?
Let us help improve safety and security by rekeying your home. Galmier Locksmiths is a domestic and commercial locksmith based in Melbourne’s Bayside offering a suite of locksmith services (including car locksmith).
Our mobile service comes to you, where we’ll create the right solution for your home or business. If you need your home or office rekeyed, call Alex now or fill in this contact form.