By Barry Weissman and Chris Weissman, Owner/Locksmith, Wise Locksmith, LLC
Locks are only as secure as the door or door frame to which they are secured.
Never give anyone a key or combination to your home, alarm or safe except a trusted friend or relative. If you are renting, you may be required to sign a release assuming responsibility for the door, locks, etc. in case of an emergency when the landlord needs access.
A burglar alarm does not keep an intruder out. It is merely a deterrent. An alarm only notifies someone that an intruder has been detected. Unfortunately, the time it takes for either the local authorities or private agencies to respond, is enough for the intruder to ransack your property.
When a lock is picked, the lock is compromised by manipulating the tumblers, latch, bolt or lock linkage without any visible sign of tampering. High security cylinders do deter, but not prevent other possible bypass techniques.
A safe can be that by name only. It is designed to protect its contents against a variety of seen as well as unseen forces. It is crucial that you be specific regarding the type of or combination of protection you require before considering a purchase.
Nothing is guaranteed burglar proof or pick proof; only burglar or pick resistant. With time anything can be defeated. Basically, all we are buying is time. The more security we have, the more time it will take someone or something to compromise your fortification.
When an intruder "stakes out" a place, he will choose the target of least resistance. If your neighbor has better security, you are more likely to be the victim.
Police studies indicate that having a good high security lock on your door is the best deterrent against burglaries. It is a fallacy that if you have a good lock on your door, potential intruders assume your premises must contain something of value worth stealing.
Contrary to popular belief, theft by employees, not shoplifting, is the number one reason most businesses initiate loss prevention measures.
Don’t get carried away. It is true that two locks are better than one, however, when in doubt refer back to rule number one. Only a security professional can best determine what is necessary for your protection.
