Can a locksmith open a house door?

Yes, a locksmith can open a house door, provided they have the proper authorisation. If you’ve lost your keys, are locked out, or need to change your locks, a locksmith can assist with a variety of tools and techniques to open the door without damaging it. Here are a few scenarios in which a locksmith can help:

1. Lost or Broken Key: A locksmith can pick the lock, use a bump key, or employ other methods to open the door.
2. Lock Malfunctions: If the lock is faulty, a locksmith can repair or replace it.
3. Rekeying: If you want to ensure that old keys no longer work, a locksmith can rekey the lock so new keys will function.
4. Lockout Assistance: If you’re locked out of your home, a locksmith can open the door to allow you access.

It’s important to note that locksmiths typically require proof of ownership or authorisation from the homeowner before proceeding with unlocking a door to ensure they’re not aiding in unauthorised entry.

Easy Pickings Locksmiths always use non-destructive methods to gain entry to properties in Leeds.

Should I have the locks changed on my new home in Leeds?

It is always a good idea to have the locks changed when you move into a new property and is highly recommended by the police, insurers and other home security professionals. You never can be sure who still has a copy of the key to your property and what their intentions could be. It is always better to be safe than sorry, when you move home in Leeds always get a reliable local locksmith to change the locks for you.

Our team at Easy Pickings locksmiths are always on hand to change the locks when you move into a new property, we will supply and fit a high quality, secure lock as well as supplying spare keys.

How do burglars break into a property?

There are many points of entry for a burglar to use when breaking into a property. The most common is the front door with 34% of burglars using the front door to just walk into a property. Second most common is unlocked or open first floor windows with 23% of burglars getting in this way. Always lock your windows, and if your windows don’t have locks installed then it will vastly improve your home security if you upgrade them.

Burglars often use various methods to break into properties, depending on the type of property, its security measures, and the opportunity they see. While each burglary can be different, here are some common ways burglars break into homes:

1. Forced Entry

   • Breaking Doors or Windows: This is the most straightforward method. They might break a window or door to gain access, often focusing on less secure points like back doors or windows.
   • Kicking In Doors: A burglar may kick in a door, especially if it’s not solidly reinforced or lacks a strong lock.
   • Using Tools: Some burglars carry tools such as crowbars, hammers, or even bolt cutters to force open locks or doors.

2. Lock Picking

   • Manipulating Locks: Skilled burglars may pick locks on doors or windows to gain entry without causing visible damage. This requires specific tools and knowledge but can be a more discreet way to enter.
   • Key Duplication: In some cases, burglars may have access to a spare key, whether through theft or because someone gave it to them.

3. Unlocked Doors or Windows

   • Taking Advantage of Negligence: One of the simplest ways burglars enter is by finding an unlocked door or window. Many burglars target homes where people forget to lock up at night or during the day.
   • Patio Doors and Sliding Glass Doors: These are common targets as they can be easily slid open or may have weak locks that can be bypassed with force.

4. Social Engineering

   • Impersonating Someone Else: Burglars sometimes use deception to gain access. They might pose as delivery workers, repairmen, or even neighbors. Once inside or near the door, they can act quickly to steal or take note of vulnerabilities.
   • Tailgating: In apartment buildings or gated communities, burglars may follow residents into secure areas by simply walking in behind them when they open the door.

5. Climbing or Accessing Higher Floors

   • Climbing Walls or Using Ladders: For houses or buildings with multiple stories, burglars may use ladders to access upper-floor windows.
   • Roof Access: Some burglars gain access through skylights or vents. Roofs may also have weak spots such as unsecured chimneys or entry points.

6. Using Technology to Bypass Security

   • Hacking Keyless Entry Systems: For properties with modern security systems (e.g., smart locks), some burglars may use hacking devices or methods to bypass electronic locks or security systems.
   • Disabling Security Systems: Some burglars target properties with alarms or cameras by disabling them, often through cutting wires or using signal-jamming devices.

7. Casing the Property

   • Watching for Vulnerabilities: Before striking, burglars often scout the property, looking for signs of valuable items, weak points in security, and patterns of behavior, such as when the owners are away.
   • Familiarity with the Homeowner’s Routine: If a burglar knows the homeowner’s schedule (e.g., vacations, work hours), they can plan a break-in accordingly.

8. Breaking In During Construction or Renovation

   • Exploiting Work Sites: Homes under construction or renovation may have temporary security, like weak doors or windows. Burglars might pose as workers or simply take advantage of the temporary security to gain access.

9. Using Animals or Pets

   • Distractions with Pets: In rare cases, burglars may take advantage of pets, using them to distract the owner or access areas where the owner is not paying attention.

To prevent burglaries, it’s important to have strong locks, security systems, good lighting, and regular vigilance in keeping doors and windows secured.

What makes a home a target for burglars?

Several factors can make a home more attractive or vulnerable to burglars. Here are some of the key elements that burglars often look for when targeting a property:

1. Lack of Security Measures

   • No alarm system: Homes without an alarm system or visible security features are more likely to be targeted.
   • No security cameras: Surveillance cameras or visible signs of cameras can deter burglars.
   • Weak locks or broken windows: Doors and windows that are easy to break or bypass make a home more inviting.
   • Lack of outdoor lighting: Dark areas around a home, especially at night, provide cover for burglars.

2. Isolation or Seclusion

   • Homes in isolated areas: Burglars prefer homes that are not near busy streets or are away from neighbors, where they can break in without being noticed.
   • Lack of visibility from neighbors: Properties that have fences, tall hedges, or walls that block the view from the street or neighboring houses can be appealing targets.

3. Routine or Predictable Patterns

   • Known absence: Homes where the owners are often away, such as during vacations or work hours, are vulnerable. Burglars may observe and learn when people are not home.
   • Visible signs of absence: Piled-up mail, uncollected newspapers, or unshoveled driveways can signal to burglars that no one is home.

4. Easy Access Points

   • Unsecured doors and windows: If windows and doors are left open or unlocked, especially on the ground floor, burglars will exploit this opportunity.
   • Ladders or tools left out: Items like ladders, garden tools, or trash cans can be used to gain entry into upper windows or balconies.

5. Signs of Wealth or Valuable Items

   • Visible electronics or valuables: Large-screen TVs, jewelry, or high-end electronics seen through windows can signal that the home contains valuables.
   • Luxury cars: High-end vehicles parked in the driveway might signal that the occupants have more expensive possessions inside.

6. Lack of Neighbourhood Watch or Community Awareness

   • No neighbourhood vigilance: In areas without a neighbourhood watch or where neighbours aren’t actively looking out for each other, homes are more likely to be targeted.
   • Lack of engagement with the community: Homes where the residents don’t interact much with neighbors may be more likely to be unnoticed, allowing burglars to operate more freely.

7. Overgrown Landscaping or Poor Maintenance

   • Unkempt yards or gardens: A yard with overgrown shrubs or trees can provide cover for burglars to hide and avoid detection.
   • No signs of upkeep: Homes that look run-down or abandoned might attract burglars who think the home is empty or less likely to be noticed.

8. Unreliable or Inconsistent Lighting

   • No exterior lighting: Lack of lighting around the house, including driveway or porch lights, gives burglars cover for their actions.
   • Inconsistent or faulty lighting: If a home’s outdoor lights are broken or rarely used, it can signal that the owners aren’t paying attention to security.

9. Easy Access to Backyards

   • Gates or fences that are easy to climb: If a property has a backyard that’s easy to access from the front or neighbouring properties, it can be a prime target.
   • Backdoors or side windows: These are often less secure than front doors and can be easy entry points for burglars.

To reduce the likelihood of being targeted, homeowners should consider improving security, such as installing alarms, reinforcing doors and windows, maintaining good lighting, and being mindful of their routines and property upkeep.

How long does it take for a locksmith to open a door?

The time it takes for a locksmith to open a door can vary depending on several factors, including the type of lock, the complexity of the situation, and the locksmith’s experience. On average:

• Standard lock (e.g., a simple deadbolt or doorknob lock): It usually takes 5 to 15 minutes for an experienced locksmith to pick or bypass the lock, provided there’s no significant damage or malfunction.
• High-security locks or more complex systems: These may take longer, anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on the level of security and the tools required. For example, a locksmith may need to decode the lock or employ more specialized methods.
• Electronic or smart locks: If the lock is digital or keyless (like those with a keypad or biometric scanner), opening it might take 15 to 30 minutes, and sometimes even longer if the locksmith has to reset the system or bypass the electronics.

If you’re locked out, it’s helpful to have all relevant information about the door and lock type ready when you call a locksmith, as this can help them estimate the time needed more accurately.

How many locks should you use on your front door?

The number of locks on your front door depends on several factors, including the level of security you want, your location, and the type of door and lock systems available to you. However, most experts recommend two locks as a standard for a typical residential front door. Here’s why:

1. A deadbolt: A high-quality deadbolt is the most secure type of lock for a front door. Deadbolts are more resistant to tampering compared to spring-latch locks (like those found in typical doorknob locks). Ideally, the deadbolt should be one that extends at least 1 inch into the doorframe.
2. A doorknob lock or handle lock: This secondary lock is less secure than a deadbolt but still adds a layer of protection. Many burglars will try the handle first, so having a secondary lock can make them think twice.

For maximum security, some people also use additional devices, like:

• Security bars or a door jammer: These are physical barriers that make it more difficult for someone to force the door open.
• Smart locks or keyless entry systems: These can add convenience and modern security features, such as remote monitoring or tamper alerts.

If you’re in a higher-risk area, you might want to go further and invest in more advanced locks or consider reinforcing the door with a security plate to prevent kick-ins.

In summary, two locks—a deadbolt and a doorknob or handle lock—are typically sufficient for most homes, but additional security measures are always an option if you want extra peace of mind

What is a deadbolt?

A deadbolt is a type of locking mechanism commonly used on doors to provide extra security. Unlike a spring bolt, which can be easily pushed back and forth, a deadbolt extends a solid metal bolt into the doorframe to secure the door. Deadbolts are typically operated by a key or a thumb turn inside, and they require the bolt to be manually slid into place when locking the door.

There are two main types of deadbolts:

1. Single-cylinder deadbolt: This is the most common type, where a key is used on the outside to lock or unlock the bolt, and a thumb turn (or a similar mechanism) is used inside to operate the bolt.
2. Double-cylinder deadbolt: This type has a keyhole on both the inside and outside of the door. You need a key to unlock it from either side, which can be useful for added security in situations where there’s a glass window near the door, preventing someone from reaching inside to turn the thumb turn.

Deadbolts provide a higher level of security than standard spring latch locks because they cannot be easily manipulated or forced open. They’re widely used in residential and commercial settings for added safety.

This type of lock adds an extra level of security to any home in Leeds.

Can a locksmith open a deadbolt?

Yes, a locksmith can open a deadbolt. Locksmiths are skilled professionals who specialize in unlocking, repairing, and installing various types of locks, including deadbolts.

There are several methods a locksmith might use to open a deadbolt, depending on the specific circumstances:

1. Key duplication: If you have a spare key or a working key that’s just misplaced, the locksmith can use it to open the deadbolt. If you don’t have a spare key, a locksmith can often make a new one by creating a key based on the lock’s existing configuration.
2. Lock picking: If you’ve lost the key or don’t have one available, a locksmith can sometimes pick the deadbolt lock. This is a delicate process and requires special tools and expertise to manipulate the lock pins and open it without damaging the lock or door.
3. Lock bypass: In some cases, locksmiths might use bypass tools to unlock the deadbolt if the lock’s mechanism allows it. This can be faster than picking the lock, depending on the type of deadbolt.
4. Drilling: If the deadbolt is damaged or the other methods don’t work, a locksmith may resort to drilling the lock. This method will destroy the lock mechanism, so it’s typically a last resort. Afterward, the deadbolt would need to be replaced.

Locksmiths are trained to open deadbolts and other locks without causing unnecessary damage to the door or the lock itself, but if the lock is faulty or the situation is complicated, it may require some time or more intensive techniques.

Home Security – Moving Home with Easy Pickings Locksmiths Leeds

Lock changes and home security measures are often overlooked when moving into a new home. There are a number of essential practices that you must carry out all of which Easy Pickings Locksmiths can do for you, these include:

• Full home security check to ensure the property is properly secure including any outbuildings and garage locks
• Lock changes on all the locks on the property. The previous tenants to the property may still have keys to the property and to the outbuildings so it’s important to have all the locks changed or even upgraded. We recommend having snap-safe Ultion locks installed which are not only high-security British Standard BS3621 locks, but also act as a deterrent for potential burglars too.
• Windows are a common point of entry for most burglars so it’s important to establish that your windows have high-security window locks on them to improve the security of your home.
• Security light installation is another good idea if the property you are moving into does not have any. Security lights are a fantastic deterrent to stop would-be burglars from even attempting to break into your property.

What Are Insurance Approved Locks?

We’ve all heard of insurance-approved locks but what are they? To put it simply, if you have insurance-approved locks installed on your property, then in the event of a burglary the insurance company will pay out for any damage and loss of goods. However, if your property is not secured with insurance-approved locks, you may find they will not pay out on a claim for damage or loss of goods.

Unfortunately, there are still millions of properties within the UK that do not have insurance-approved locks installed on their properties so it’s essential that if you have home insurance, but are not aware whether or not you have insurance-approved locks or not that you contact us so we can come and check for you. We offer a range of different types of insurance-approved locks for you to choose from ranging from different prices. Our Leeds-based locksmiths are fully insured and accredited and all our locks are fully guaranteed for 12 months.

Our team at Easy Pickings Locksmiths have been receiving an increasing number of calls from customers who need to upgrade their locks in the Leeds area in order to get home insurance. This is why we felt it necessary to share a bit of information about insurance grade locks, what they are and why insurers require you to have them in order for your policy to be valid.

Lock manufacturers, along with the police, local authorities, government and architects have all come together to set a minimum standard that a lock should be to ensure your home or business is properly secure.

Looking For A New Lock?

If you have a wooden door then you should look for the Kitemark displaying BS3621. This can be found on the front barrel or the face plate of the lock. The minimum standard for uPVC doors is TS007 which can also be found displayed on the Kitemark. If you find that your locks are below standard and do not display either of these Kitemarks then you should definitely consider contacting your local locksmith Leeds and upgrading your locks, not only is your home not as secure as it could be, but you may also find that should you ever fall victim to a break in your insurance policy may be void.

It’s not only your door locks that need to be secure, window locks also meet to meet insurer requirements. If your window locks can be opened from inside your property without the use of a tool or a key, then you should consider having your window lock handles upgraded.

The reason insurers are so strict with their minimum requirements of locks in order for you to either get cover or be paid out on any claims is because not only do they want to know that you have taken steps to ensure that your home is secure but also to be sure that potential intruders will not only have difficulty getting into your property but also once inside they don’t have an easy escape route either.

If your insurance requires you to upgrade your locks, or you would just like your locks upgraded for the extra peace of mind that your home will be more secure then contact Easy Pickings Locksmiths Leeds today on 0113 805 0761 and one of our team will help you choose the best lock for you and supply and fit it at your convenience.

Why Install Snap Safe Locks?

Snap-safe locks are tested and regarded as safe locks by the Master Locksmith Associations. Snap-safe locks are also recommended by the police who attend more and more house burglaries in Leeds where lock cylinders have been snapped by burglars to gain access to people’s homes and businesses.

What is Lock Snapping?

To better understand what a snap-safe lock is, it is first important to understand what lock snapping is and how it is a common, quick and easy method of gaining access into our homes by burglars.

Lock snapping is a technique used by burglars to break into our homes and businesses in Leeds. This technique involves snapping a lock cylinder that is commonly used in uPVC, composite and aluminium doors.

By applying force the burglar can snap the locking cylinder in two and remove the outside of the lock to expose the locking mechanism. Exposing the locking mechanism allows the door to be unlocked either manually or by using a tool. Burglars can use any tool such as a hammer or screwdriver to snap and dismantle a non-snap safe lock and can have access to our home in seconds. As it is, brute force is used to break a lock and no other special skills are needed, this form of lock snapping has become the preferred method of burglars and lock snapping burglaries have increased, according to recent research.

Lock snapping to access our properties is on the increase and is a growing concern according to recent research. It is regarded as a real threat to our homes and businesses in and around Leeds. However, there is a solution and that solution is to upgrade your existing lock cylinder to a snap-safe lock that can prevent this risk of lock snapping. The different types of snap-safe locks and advice about what kind of lock you would require for your security needs can be discussed with our team here at Easy Pickings Locksmiths.

Installing Snap-safe Locks in Leeds

Snap-safe locks can now be graded and tested for their snap ability. So, if you are going to upgrade your lock to a snap-safe lock for added security then it is recommended that you have your lock cylinder upgraded to one that has the kite mark 3-star standard that is designed to prevent lock snapping, or, a snap-safe lock that has the Sold Secure (SS312) Diamond Standard Approval. If you need snap-safe locks installed at your home or business in Leeds then contact our team at Easy Pickings Locksmiths and we will provide a no-obligation quotation. Responsive Locksmiths in Leeds

Easy Pickings Locksmiths are on hand to deal with all your locksmith needs whether you are locked out and need us immediately or whether you would like to book any of our services at a future date. For all emergency locksmith works in Leeds we aim to be with you within 30 minutes of receiving your call. We understand the importance of getting to you promptly if you are locked out of your home or business, or if you have fallen victim to a burglary in Leeds and require us to help secure your property. We pride ourselves on our response times and endeavour to not only reach you quickly but also offer you value for money with every job we complete