Click here to Leaving a door key “in a safe place” outside your property can be quite dangerous. We are all guilty of doing this from time to time when friends or relatives need access to our home while we are out, however, most of us aren’t aware of just how dangerous this can be. This is why our team at Lime Locks Wirral have put together this helpful guide to highlight the dangers of leaving a spare door key outside your property.

5 Worst Places To Leave Door Keys
 
Under Rocks – This may seem like an inconspicuous place, however, rocks need to be settled flat on the floor, when something is placed underneath them it will make the rock sit to one side and it is obvious that something has been put underneath particularly to potential burglars.
 
Putting Keys In Purse/Wallet – Again this may seem like a safe place to store your keys. However, if you were to lose your purse/wallet then you will also lose your door keys, not only that but more often than not some form of address ID is also usually stored in a purse/wallet which if it falls into the wrong hands will give someone your address and a key to let themselves in!
 
In Flowerpots/Bushes – This is one of the first places a burglar will look when scoping out a property. Over the years this has been a popular spot for homeowners to leave their keys and unfortunately burglars have had huge success at finding them and using them!
 
On Top Of The Door Frame – Everyday people may not consider the top of a door frame as being an obvious place to find a key however, burglars are well clued up to this. Not only is leaving a key on the door frame visible but it is also quick and easy for a burglar to grab and let themselves in unseen.
 
Under The Doormat – This is the fist place a burglar will look! This hiding place has been used for many years and burglars are well clued up to it! By leaving a key under a doormat you are practically inviting burglars into your home and providing them with a key!
 
It is never advised to leave spare door keys anywhere around your property it is best to leave it with a trusted neighbour or drop it off with the person that needs access while you are away.
 
If you need home security advice or would like to know what you can do to help keep your property well protected against burglars, then contact Lime Locks Wirral today - 0151 353 9607

When you're in a "lock out situation", the first thing your emergency locksmith should do is explore ways to get back into property without damaging either lock or door. This process of Non-Destructive Entry takes special training for them because it's usually tricky if done incorrectly.

When it comes to picking locks, there are a variety of ways that you can use depending on the type. For example: Yale locks usually require us with tools and bump keys in order for them be opened easily while night latches typically need manual persuasion before getting our success rate up! Mortice key may take more time since hands-on work is required first but eventually everything should turn out well as long as we know what tricks work best for each specific lock type.

The problem with locks is that they are so different from one another. Locks can be as complicated and diverse in their needs, which means there's no way to know for sure if drilling is completely off the cards or not- especially when other things have failed before!
Mortice locks are the most difficult to crack and if any lock needs drilling, it will be one of these. With this said there's no need for alarm as a professional can get through your door in minutes with precision tools while leaving behind A brand new mortice looking as good if not better than before!

For those who need emergency entry and want to be safe, it is worth checking if the locksmith will at least attempt Non-Destructive Entry techniques. You can do this by looking up their company website for mention of ‘Non- Destructive’ or reading reviews on Google about them before calling so that you know what kind service they offer in addition to quality workmanship!

At the end of day, sometimes drilling out old locks to replace them with brand new ones really is your best option. If you have lost keys or worry about someone else getting into things where they don't belong - this will keep those people from accessing what's theirs! With all said and done no one should be forced pay for unnecessary services so do research beforehand make sure that any company offering these types are reliable in their area.

If you need an emergency Locksmith or require your locks changing, then contact Lime Locks Wirral Today - 0151 353 9607

Home security is something that you need to keep on top of and your external doors are a vital part of that. Burglars are always looking for an easy target, and most of them break into homes through the front or back door. That's why it is vital to make sure your doors are secure! Doors come in different materials with various locks on them so don't forget this when choosing what you want at home - every situation needs its own tailored solution that will work best for you specifically. There are three factors to consider when buying a door: your budget, what type of material the door is made from and which lock fits on it.

Common Types of Front Doors

Wood - A wooden front door is a beautiful and durable way to show off your home's exterior. It will last for many years if you care for it properly, but like anything else in life its needs maintenance just like any other object or piece of furniture does--and that includes locks! A customised design can be put on these doors depending upon what kind of security features are desired. For example, deadbolts can be installed even keyless entry systems to help improve home security.

 UPVC - UPVC doors are a popular choice for their affordability and low maintenance, as well the fact that they're thermally efficient. On top of these benefits there's also style - many people will choose an uPVC door because it looks sleek in comparison to other options available on today such steel or aluminium frames with louvered panels! The only downside is you can't fit additional locks. However, most good locksmiths will be able to come and upgrade the existing locks to more secure snap safe locks helping to give your home better protection from intruders.

Composite - A hybrid door can be the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy all of its benefits without breaking their budget. They're a durable and inexpensive alternative that combines aspects from traditional wood, while also being easy on maintenance with lower costs when compared it in combination only versus one material alone or even both materials together!

Most Secure Locks For Front Doors

Wood - The 5-lever mortice deadlock is the most secure lock for timber doors. To make sure you have this type of locking system, all locks must be compliant with BS3621 and can only be sold or installed after proving they meet safety standards in place!

UPVC - A multi-point locking mechanism connected to a euro cylinder lock is what UPVC doors use. Although this type of design provides an extra layer of security, many old uPVC doorways can easily be broken into because they're fitted with simple locks like those that snap back when you try and pick them--a flaw called “lock snapping'. Fortunately, the industry has come up with a lock to combat this. The anti-snap lock. These anti Snap Euro Cylinder Locks are a great way to ensure that your home's entranceway protection from burglars and vandals alike! Any good locksmith would be able to come and upgrade the locks on your uPVC door for you.

Composite - Composite doors are similar to uPVC doors and are usually secured with a multipoint locking system and anti-snap euro cylinder.

If you need to improve your home security then contact Lime Locks Wirral today - 0151 353 9607

Sash jammers are small and inexpensive devices that attach to a window or door, increasing its overall security. These can be used on uPVC windows as well as doors with either handles pivoting over frames for added difficulty in forced entry situations.

Sash jammers are an excellent tool to have on hand, but they shouldn't be your only security measure. You should also invest in the highest quality locks that meet or exceed British Standard TS007 for best results!

The idea behind using a sash jammer is simple - it will stop someone from opening and closing doors remotely without unlocking them first (or kicking down windows). While this can provide some extra protection when something bad happens at home like break-in attempts with forced entry and other thefts.

A sash jammer cannon is an important part of your home security system. They can be picked up for around £10 in most DIY and hardware stores, but even the best ones can’t guarantee you won't get burglarized, but is will definitely make it much more difficult for any potential intruders. Burglars like to be able to get in and out of a property quickly to reduce their chances of getting caught so if they are having trouble getting into your property they may just give up and find an easier target.

The security industry is always coming up with new ways to combat burglars, and there are plenty for you to install at home.
The protection of your property from intruders will always be able to be improved upon as there are always new and improved home security measures available.
​
If you need more information on how you can improve your home security measures or would like to upgrade your current home security measures then contact Lime Locks Wirral today - 0151 353 9607

People don’t often consider changing their locks often until they fail completely, and they are left either locked out or even locked in their property. But there are many reasons why it is important to get your door locks changed and it shouldn’t be just the result of an emergency. Below are some of the main reasons you should get your door locks changed regardless of whether they are old or new.

Lost Keys – This is very common and is something that the majority of us will experiences at least once in our lifetime! Although when your keys are lost the main thing, you tend to focus on is getting back into your property, anther key factor you should consider is who now has the keys to your property and what do they intend to do with them. The last thing you want is a burglar letting themselves into your property with your own set of keys. This is why it is always recommended that if you have lost your keys or worse, they have been stolen then you should always get the locks replaced, just so you can be sure that you and those you trust are the only ones with a key to your property, helping keep your home safe and secure.

Previous Occupants – If you have just moved into a new property then you can’t be sure that all the keys have been handed to you, many keys could still be in circulation, and you never know what the motives of the previous occupants or their friends or family that have been given a key might be. It is always better to be safe than sorry and have the door locks changed when you move into a new property, so you have the piece of mind that you know exactly who has access to a key to you home.

Attempted Break-In Or Break-In – If someone has attempted to or broken into your property then the chances are that the locks have been damaged. Even if they are still working, they will be weak and vulnerable and could lead to future break-ins! If locks are showing any signs of damage, then they should be replaced and potentially even upgraded to help towards preventing future break-ins. Also, if you have had a break-in and the locks remained intact it is still worth getting the locks changed as it is possible that the burglar took a copy of the key to use at a later date.

Old Locks – Old locks are prone to wear and tear and can often cause quite a few problems when they fail, as well as this, older locks will no longer be the most secure locks, and this could be leaving your property vulnerable. The security industry is constantly coming up with new and innovative security measures to improve locks to ensure they work well at keeping burglars at bay as well as combating any new techniques burglars are using to break into properties. The current British standard for locks is BS3621 and TS007 for uPVC doors. If your locks don’t meet this standard, then not only are you leaving your property vulnerable to a break-in, but you could also find that your current insurance policy is void. If your current locks don’t meet British standards, then you should call your local locksmith to come and upgrade them as soon as possible.
​
If you need new locks or need the locks at your property upgrading, then contact Lime Locks Wirral Today - 0151 353 9607

When it comes to home security improvements its not just the measures inside your property you should consider, it is also important to secure the outside areas of your property which play a huge role in the overall security of a property. This is why our team at Lime Locks Wirral have put together this handy guide on outdoor home security tips, to help you achieve the maximum level of security at your home or business.
Outdoor Security Improvements

• CCTV
• Outdoor Lighting
• High gate or fence
• Blinds and curtains
• Secure locks on garages and sheds
• Keep valuables locked away and out of sight
• Makes sure tools, equipment and other items used in the garden are put away after use and stored in an area with a secure lock.
• Keep bushes and shrubs under control

You don’t have to implement everything on this list all at once, you can do it as and when your time and budget allows. A good place to start it installing a gate or fence as this makes your property a lot less accessible for potential intruders and works as a huge deterrent for most burglars. Also keeping gardening equipment, tools and kids toys locked away and the garden bushes and shrubs under control are an inexpensive and easy measure to implement straight away.
If you need more information on implementing new home security measures either inside or outside your home or business then contact Lime Locks Wirral today. We take pride in helping all of our customers improve their home security helping them to keep their homes or businesses as safe and secure as possible.  We provide free home security assessments and advice as well as only installing high security, good quality branded locks.
Call Lime Locks Wirral today for home security advice or improvements - 0151 353 9607

It may surprise you but this is a very common problem that us locksmith come across daily. This can be a very frustrating experience as it often leaves you either locked out or locked in your property!

Why Do Keys Break?

There are many reasons behind keys snapping off in locks, some of the most common include:

• Key has got damaged over time.
• Keys are often made from soft metals such as brass and nickel.
• The lock is not well lubricated or has become jammed.

What To Do If Key Breaks In Lock?

Regardless of how the key broke in the lock, getting the key safely extracted should always be the main priority:

• Broken keys can damage locks.
• You may not be able to lock the door and secure your property.
• You may be locked out or in your property.

How Do You Extract Broken Keys From Locks?

If you can see a small portion of the key sticking out of the lock it may be possible to extract the key yourself with a pair of needles nosed plyers, or even a strong magnet. However, if not much of the key is available then you should call out your local locksmith. They have the experience, knowledge and tools to safely extract a broken key from a lock without causing any damage to the lock. A locksmith will also be able to help you gain entry if you are locked out or in!

How To prevent Broken Keys?

There are some tips you can try to help prevent keys breaking in your lock:
​
Lubricate locks – at least every 6 months you should lubricate your locks with a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based lubricants such as WD-40 as this type of lubricant will over time damage locks and cause them to get clogged up.
Replacement Keys – Keys are susceptible to wear and tear as they are used so frequently, as soon as you notice any signs of wear on your key you should make a copy and dispose of the old one.
If your having problems with your locks or keys or need a broken key extraction then contact Lime Locks Wirral today - 0151 353 9607

When making security upgrades to your property all the focus tends to be on the external doors leaving one vital security measures overlooked, the window locks. Your doors may be as secure as they can be but are your windows? Windows are a commonly used entry point  for burglars so it is important that you ensure they are as secure as they can be to avoid leaving your property vulnerable.

Reduce Risk and Save Money

Upgrading the window locks and improving their overall security not only makes your whole property more secure it can also help save you money on your insurance premiums. Insurance providers don’t just set minimum security requirements for door locks, they have them for windows too, so if your current window locks  don’t meet this requirement you could even find that your current policy is invalid. So it should be a priority to get your windows locks upgraded as soon as possible.

Types of Windows and Locks

To understand how to improve your window security you first need to know what type of window you have so you can apply the best measures for that window type.

Sash Windows  - Sash jammers or security stops can be fitted to this type of window. They will stop the windows from being able to slide past each other.

Casement Windows – This type of window usually requires two locks, one for the long handle at the bottom and another for the smaller side handle. You have the choice of either having new handles installed with secure locks already integrated into them or changing the locks that are in the existing handles.

Fanlight Windows – This type of window can be secured using a swing lock, this allows you to reach in and open a larger window. Mortice window bolts can also improve the security of this type of window.

UPVC Windows – This type of window often comes with high security locks installed; however, they handles are prone to wear and over time can fail so it is important to keep an eye on them and at the first sign of an issue you should call your local locksmith. Faulty window handles can easily be replaced.

If you are having problems with your window locks or they just need upgrading to more secure locks, then contact Lime Locks Wirral today on - 0151 353 9607

A burglary is committed in the UK around every 40 seconds, and with this being a UK wide problem it is shocking just how many homeowners neglect their home security measures making their homes vulnerable to potential intruders.

• Majority of Burglaries Happen During The Day – Most people when thing of a burglary tend to imagine it happening during the night, however most UK burglaries actually happen during the day time between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm. This is because the majority of people are out at work during the day so there is more opportunity for a burglar to get in and out of a property undisturbed.


• Burglars Rarely Take Household Objects – It is rare for a burglar these days to go into a property and steal a tv or stereo. More often than not when a burglar breaks into a property, they are looking for much smaller but higher value items such as car keys, bank/credit cards and personal identity information. These sort of items are much more valuable to a burglar as they can be used to make online purchases and take out credit. With this said, it is still wise to keep valuables and jewellery stored in a safe place and out of sight.


• Most Burglars Don’t Carry Tools – Burglars are well known for being opportunists. They are often experienced at breaking into properties, and have a keen eye for pin pointing properties they feel are an easy target. Because burglars want to stay unnoticed, and have a quick and easy get away they tend not to bother carrying tools or equipment with them, instead they will use tools they have found around your property such as gardening equipment, so it is important that you tidy up and lock away and tools or equipment you have been using, and keep sheds and garages securely locked at all times.


• 47% Of Burglaries Are Done Spontaneously – When asked most convicted burglars said the majority of burglaries they committed were done with a quick decision when they spotted an opportunity. This is why having visible security measures such as high security locks in place at your property can work well at deterring burglars.


• Someone Is Home During 28% of Burglaries – Most people believe that if their house is occupied then there is less chance of them getting burgled. However, in around 3 in 10 burglaries someone has been home whilst the offence has been committed. This is why it is a good idea to keep doors and windows locked at all times even if you are at home.


• Most Burglaries Are Done By Someone Living Close To You – A scary thought but in most cases the burglar will live within two miles of the property they have targeted. This is why it is important to not follow a strict routine so anyone untoward watching cannot predict your behaviour and when your property will be empty. It is also wise to keep holiday plans quiet until after you have been to avoid word spreading to the wrong people.

Here at Lime Locks Wirral, we are committed to helping our customers stay safe and secure in their homes. We offer free security assessments and will advise on improvements, upgrades and security measures that will help protect their homes from burglars.

If you need to improve your home security, then contact Lime Locks Wirral today - 0151 353 9607

There is a huge range of reasons behind people needing the services of a locksmith, some of which occur a lot more frequently than others. This is why our team at Lime Locks Wirral have put together a helpful guide on the most common reasons for locksmith call outs if you ever find yourself in one of these situations you will know exactly what it is you need to do.

Locked Out – It is inevitable that almost everyone will experience being locked out at least once in their lives, and this is by far one of the most common reasons for people requiring the services of a locksmith! Being locked out is never a pleasant experience, and most will find it rather stressful. Luckily, a trusted local locksmith is only ever a quick phone call away. When you call a reliable local locksmith they will promptly attend your property and quickly gain entry to your home without causing any damage to the existing lock or door, they will also be able to change the locks in the same visit if necessary for extra piece of mind that your home remains secure, just in case your keys have fallen into the wrong hands. It is always worth asking over the phone when you call a locksmith if they are able to gain entry to your home without causing any damage. This way you can be sure that the locksmith attending your property is experienced and will complete the task at hand effectively and not cost you more money in the long run.  

Lock Upgrades or Changes These days it is incredibly common for locksmith to receive calls to come and upgrade the existing locks at a property. This is mostly due to insures nee minimum requirements for locks, all locks must meet or exceed BS3621 or TS007 for uPVC doors, if your locks don’t meet this requirement you may struggle to get cover or may even find that your existing policy is void. It is also worth knowing that some insurers have been known to refuse to pay out on claims made on existing policies if the locks at the time of the break-in were substandard.  Although this is probably the main reason for people requiring new locks or lock upgrades, another common reason is when people have moved home. It is always advised that you get the locks change when you move into a new property to ensure that you are the only person with a copy of the key to the property as you can’t ever be sure of how many keys are still in circulation from previous occupants. Getting the locks changed is the best way to ensure your new home is safe and secure.

Lock Repairs – Another very common reason for needing the services of a locksmith. Like anything else locks are susceptible to general wear and tear. This is often due to how frequently they are used. When a lock fails the best option isn’t always to completely replace the lock, sometimes it is easier and cheaper to simply get the lock repaired. Any good local locksmith will be able to diagnose the fault and advise you on the best course of action be it repairing or replacing the lock.

Repairing Burglary Damage – When you have had a break-in it is always strongly recommended that always recommended that you have the locks changed as soon as possible even if there is no damage. This is because the intruder could have taken a copy of a key to use at a later date. Any damage to window locks and handles will also need dealing with, a locksmith will know the correct size handle and lock that is right for the windows that you have. Most locksmiths also provide a boarding up service for any broken windows or doors.
​
If you require the services of a locksmith for any of the situations mentioned above or to try and improve your home security to prevent any of these scenarios, then contact Lime Locks Wirral today - 0151 353 9607