Apexlocksmiths

Locksmithing

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Apex Locksmiths

Locksmithing first started out as a relatively simple craft involved in the creation of locks and keys used to secure and protect properties and homes. As time went by, crimes involving theft and burglary began to take place more frequently. This necessitated the development of an improved security system to prevent the occurrence of thefts and other incidents that could harm people.

In the 1960’s, locksmiths services began to develop the complex process of cutting and shaping keys that were hard to duplicate. The use of the master key soon became widespread following this development. Currently, 21st century safety is no longer confined to simple locksmiths services and enterprises, as security systems have achieved greater heights in terms of securing the safety of residential and business properties.

Together with such progress, locks nowadays are no longer made to secure only homes or buildings. The emergence of highly skilled and capable automotive locksmiths around the world has meant that locking systems can now be specially designed to keep cars safe and secure. In the field of automotive security, locksmiths have created a system that prevents car thefts, such as with the use of transponder keys. This is particularly suitable for organisations that deal with large fleets of vehicles.

Aside from car locksmiths, locksmith companies also provide service with a personal touch. One of these services is the mobile locksmith, which is provided by locksmiths to clients. A mobile locksmith is a means of enabling clients to consult authorised company agents in the event of any emergencies that are related to security systems obtained from the company. The locksmith involved is usually an expert locksmith who can travel to the customer’s position regardless of the time or present location. This is especially important and relevant in the case of emergency lockouts and malfunctioning locks.

Obtaining such specialised locksmiths services is easy too. Apex Locksmiths, for instance, provides consultation and advice regarding the installing of security system in homes and business premises. This includes the use of alarms and monitoring equipment that can be used to manage and protect property, belongings and people.

Alarms & back to base monitoring

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Apex Locksmiths

Security alarm systems are installed in residential or business premises in order to protect people and property from theft or injury in the event of break-ins. A home security system usually consists of home alarm systems that can be self-installed and function to alert inhabitants to most external threats. There are also alarms that can detect and prevent fires in addition to its original use of preventing forced entry.

There are several different types of security alarm systems available to consumers. These can be differentiated based on their function and the perimeter that is to be secured. To start off, basic home alarm systems are able to detect motion and smoke. This type of alarm will alert people in the building to any unusually strong force or movement near the alarm. In doing so, the alarm is able to prevent break-ins. As it is also able to detect smoke, it can call attention to fires.

Another type of alarm system that can be installed in homes is the intercom system, which provides notification of visitors to the people inside a building. Similar to standard-issue home security alarm systems, this setup includes 24-hour emergency lock out service, residential locks and a panic exit device. Systems such as these are all part of home security accessories that are invaluable to property owners or managers, protecting the building in a simple and convenient way. There is also the added assurance that inhabitants or workers do not have to worry about being locked out by accident.

It is important that the security system undergo frequent monitoring. For example, a property owner or manager who consults an experienced security company such as Apex Locksmiths can look forward to having the home security system in use being registered to their security digital monitoring centre. This allows all security needs to be attended to on a daily basis. The person responsible for the property’s security will contacted immediately if the security system is activated for any reason, and will be provided with full details of the activation. Essentially, this means that Apex Locksmiths will monitor the system that is monitoring building security.

Posted in Home Security, Security Alarm Systems | Tagged Home Alarm Systems, Home Security Alarm Systems, Security Alarm Systems | Leave a comment

CCTV – Big brother

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Apex Locksmiths

Closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring uses video cameras to transmit both video and audio images on to monitors. Unlike standard television, CCTV security uses wireless or wired transmission for broadcast security footage from the cameras to monitors in specific locations. This explains why closed circuit televisions are not usually open to public viewing.

In the UK and Australia, CCTV systems are used mainly as part of security systems for crime prevention, traffic control, and industrial process monitoring and transport safety observation. Correspondingly, most CCTV systems can be seen at business premises, financial establishments, retail outlets, cash dispensing machines, cashier counters, road intersections, areas that record a high rate of accidents, factory assembly lines and industrial inspection points.

When included as part of a security system, cctv security usually deters potential delinquents or criminals from making the wrong move. It also enables improvement of the dispersion and flow of pedestrian and motorised traffic very well, as the level of operator or monitor awareness and response at the observation and action centres becomes more sophisticated. For example, dangerous drivers think twice before attempting foolish motoring manoeuvres in the presence of such security systems.

In industrial and transport sectors, closed circuit television systems allows security personnel access to inaccessible places that are hard to get into, thus improving security quality and reducing accidents or break-ins. In addition, data collected from monitoring and observation at these security points can be analysed periodically to help improve cctv security if needed.

To get an idea of how prevalent cctv security is in our society now, a study conducted in 2003 in the UK estimated that there were approximately 4.2 million cameras in public places. This works out to 1 camera for every 15 citizens, although the UK authorities dispute this figure. The tagline of the UK Home Ministry, “CCTV: Looking Out For You” has also received mixed reactions. In Australia, the use of CCTV systems was initiated as a community safety measure; the use is not as extensive as in the UK. Similarly, the use of CCTV security in the USA is confined to places deemed sensitive to homeland security.

Posted in CCTV Systems | Tagged cctv security, security systems | Leave a comment

Access control – Convenience & audit facility

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Apex Locksmiths

Access control systems allow a person to control admission to entrance and exit points on a property. Such door access controls allow a building or security manager to choose who is permitted in and/or out of buildings or facilities. As an access control system only allows individuals with the necessary authorisation to enter or exit, it lets the building owner exclude unwanted visitors.

This security access control also records the date, time and individuals who enter or leave the premises. This information can be archived to a hard drive or DVD for future reference, which enables managers or guardians to fully monitor employees or family members. What is even more convenient is that the system can be connected to the building’s fire alarm system so that its inhabitants or owner can be alerted in the event of a fire.

There are many options where access control systems are concerned, but the most commonly utilised system is door access control. Besides this, property owners or managers can choose an electronic access system that allows one to access specific electronic devices, and the security access system.

These systems are similar in that only people who have the prerequisite authorisation can use or access them. An identification card or key tag is the usual mode of authorisation. These items normally contain information on the identity of the wearer or holder, and are recognised by the electronic access control system as proof of authorisation and permission to enter or exit.

This form of door access control is also incredibly user-friendly. The information stored on the cards or key tags that have been lost or misplaced can be easily deleted from the system, and a replacement can be issued quickly. Not only does it save time, it also reduces the cost of re-keying an entire system.

The access control system also allows for the detection of any signs of forced entry on the premises, thus ensuring a high level of security for the building. Based on ease of use and umbrella coverage, access control systems such as these are most suitable for large facilities that have multiple entry and exit points.

Posted in Access Control | Tagged access control systems, door access control, electronic access control, security access control | Leave a comment

Restricted key systems – How they work & benefits

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Apex Locksmiths

Any business owner worth his salt knows not to toy with the security of a commercial premise. While security guards and dog patrols look impressive, keeping a building safe can sometimes be as simple as turning a key.

Apex Locksmiths recommend restricted key systems because of the edge it has over normal locking systems. Usage of these advanced systems is most appropriate for investment properties and large-scale building complexes, as well as home security. Essentially, key system is provides secure access in premises comprising multiple areas and points of entry.

The advantage of the restricted key systems is that the key cannot be duplicated and distributed without the owner’s consent. This means that the sole holder of the key is the only one in charge of usage and distribution of the key. Authorisation is needed, in the form of written approval from the key owner/holder, in order for copies to be made. All duplication in restricted key systems is recorded, providing another layer of security.

A restricted master key, which is a variation of the restricted key system, is also available from reputable dealers such as Apex Locksmiths. A master key is the key that is able to unlock all locks in a specified location. The system is designed for premises that need universal keys that can be used on many locks. However, the key is specifically tailored to grant access to pre-determined sections only. This makes it suitable for commercial premises like offices or businesses and industrial services, and can also be used in residential sites.

The person who holds the master key is the only person who has access to all areas on the premise. As with restricted key systems, duplication and distribution of a master key is impossible without the authorisation of the key holder.

Thanks to the security measures that have been put in place, restricted key systems are the perfect solution for managing access in business premises that have a large number of staff members or visitors. With such a system, the business or building owner is able to define which areas are freely accessible and control human traffic.

Posted in Restricted Key Systems | Tagged restricted key systems, Restricted master keys | Leave a comment

Commercial security – Locking up your business from high quality locking systems to safes & alarms

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin

The security of a commercial premise should never be compromised. Not only are thousands of dollars worth of property in need of protection, the theft of such items could result in the destruction of the livelihood of business employees.

Commercial security, aims to secure commercial/business premises. The security alarm systems used for commercial premises are of high quality in that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for criminals to overcome. Such systems utilise complex locking mechanisms such as computer-coded keys to secure the premises. The locking mechanism’s complexity is such that it is accompanied by 24-hour mobile locksmith maintenance to handle servicing requirements, and even re-keying if necessary.

Aside from wireless security systems, an experienced commercial security system provider like Apex Locksmiths also provides commercial grade locks along with automated door closers. As valuable property at stake where commercial security is concerned, a restricted key system is used to further protect assets and prevent break-ins. Apex Locksmiths also provides NMB padlocks, which are usually used to secure electrical boxes. These locks are also accompanied by maintenance services, include like repair and recoding for keys and production of new keys for existing padlocks.

Electronic locks are recommended to optimise security for premises that are frequently accessed by staff and visitors alike. Electronic locks are cost-effective, reducing the need to duplicate keys. They are only accessible through digitally controlled locks, enabling key-free access. Additionally, the codes that are used can only be modified by persons authorised to do so, which reduces the chances of forced entry.

Another method of protecting valuables on commercial premises is by using safes. Although perceived as old fashioned, safes, which are available in many shapes and sizes, serve to protect a business’s assets. Commercial safes protect a company not only from theft, but also from property loss from incidents such as wildfires or floods.

Apex Locksmiths recognises the importance of a strong safe, which is why its offerings include the insurance-approved CMI Homeguard Safe, wall safes, in-ground floor safes, jewellery safes, data safes with media insert boxes as well as gun safes. All safes come with warranties and the buyer’s choice of a locking system.

Posted in Security Alarm Systems | Tagged commercial safes, electronic access control, locksmith services | Leave a comment

Transponder keys – How they work & how to avoid expensive dealer prices.

Posted on March 2, 2011 by admin

A car owner’s dream come true can turn into a walking nightmare if he or she neglects to implement a comprehensive car security system. Parking in a well-lit parking facility is not a deterrent to car thieves either. In a worst-case scenario, the very people who should be guarding the car might be the same ones responsible for its disappearance!

Transponder keys are factory-made accessories that enable transmission of radio signals between the car keys and the corresponding car. These security systems usually come with the car upon purchase. The keys allow the only person in possession of the keys to unlock and drive the car. Likewise, the transmitter in the car only recognises the key as its mutual connector, resulting in a vast reduction of car theft.

Transponder keys use radio waves to transmit an identification signal to a receiver in the car and to the transponder key itself. Installing a transponder security system in a car can be complicated, as it can vary based on the brand and model of the car. Most of the time, it is best to consult expert locksmith companies that have the experience and expertise in dealing with car security systems, such as Apex Locksmiths. The security specialist provides car security systems for various cars, regardless of the brand or model.

Car owners frequently have to pay excessive amounts for cars in which transponder keys have been installed. Car dealers claim that these security systems must be custom-made for the brand or car model. Contrary to these outlandish claims, however, experienced locksmiths like Apex provide customers with an equally trustworthy alternative, and at a much more affordable price. In addition, with self-installed transponder keys, the car owner can look forward to comprehensive warranties and after-hour services in case of emergency, not to mention the locksmiths’ guaranteed expertise of the locksmiths.

Car theft usually takes place because cars lack a reliable security system. However, the car owner who decides to utilise transponder keys ensures that he or she has equipped the car with a dependable security system at an affordable price.

Posted in Transponder Keys | Tagged automotive keys, automotive locksmiths, car locks | Leave a comment

Home security – Deadlocks & window locks

Posted on February 23, 2011 by admin

No measure is considered excessive when it comes to ensuring the safety of our homes and families. Security alarm systems are now a common feature in newer households, and a staggering number of families are currently looking into the installation of a security system at home. In the quest to secure our homes, we should not overlook the simpler, but no less effective keys to home security.

A good home security system depends largely on the functionality of the tools used to secure the points of entry to a home. These are usually the doors and windows, and in the field of home security, deadlocks or deadbolts are considered the most effective means of preventing forced entry next to security alarm systems. Deadlocks are generally more effective than the normal spring-bolt locks because they are completely unyielding unless opened with the correct key.

Window locks are a good complement to home security systems when they are attached to the sashes of double-hung windows. These locks can secure both sections in the “closed” position, thus preventing entry from outside. This is the most secure method that can be used to fasten such windows because; following installation of window locks, a window is only accessible from the inside. In other words, the window will only be opened if the homeowner wants it to be opened.

Deadlocks and window locks are considered necessary additions to security alarm systems because they reduce the possibility of burglary and other security threats. Together with a good security alarm system, they form the ideal solution to protect homes and loved ones. Home security systems can provide protection through varying methods. These include security systems based on movement and heat detection, and can be equipped with duress or panic buttons as well as smoke detectors.

Installing deadlocks and window locks discourages and often prevents burglars from breaking in to a home. The benefit of good and reliable security alarm systems is that a homeowner can enjoy complete safety and assurance. He can rest easy and sleep soundly at night knowing that he and his loved ones are safe in the secured property.

Posted in Home Security | Tagged home security | Leave a comment