Moving House
Changing locks is easily and must be done when u moving to a house, but it is frightening to think how many people could have duplicate keys to your new home.“If you have just moved house you are almost twice as likely to be burgled” We strongly recommend changing your locks for your family’s safety and your peace of mind.
Why Change The Locks?
Moving house is a highly stressful experience so it is no surprise that securing your new home by changing the locks can be overlooked. However, unless you knew and trusted the previous tenants it is unlikely that you will know exactly how many sets of keys were cut and are in circulation for your new property.
According to Home Office statistics, you are almost twice as likely to be burgled in the 12 months after moving house compared with the average burglary rate (4.6% compared with 2.5%). You are nearly three times as likely to be burgled compared with those who have occupied their property for 10 years or more (4.6% compared to 1.6%).
Alarmingly those households with no home security measures were almost ten times (22.5%) more likely to be victims of burglary compared to households that carry out simple security upgrades (2.5%) such as fitting deadlocks on doors and fitting window locks.
Who Else Has Spare Keys?
Around 37,500 homes will change hands this year with many buyers unaware that at least one spare set of keys is still in circulation with a third party. over half (58%) of USA residents give away spare sets of keys to their home.
The rate at which spare keys are not reclaimed is highest in rental properties where 7% of tenants do not reclaim spare keys when they move on. The main recipients of spare keys from the majority of householders are family members (73%); 14% give spare keys to neighbors and 8% give spare keys to friends.
Another survey conducted by Home Insurance found that 12 million adults have lost their keys over 6 times in the last ten years alongside identification or address details and still did not change their locks.
By not changing the locks and ensuring that all points of access around the house are secure, you could be putting yourself and your family in unnecessary danger. Furthermore, if you were to be broken into and possessions damaged or stolen your insurance claim may be void, as some insurance companies will state that if you have not changed the locks on moving house then you have not done enough to secure your property and prevent a burglary.
By following a simple procedure such as changing the locks you can guarantee that you are in control of who has access to each and every set of keys.
Other Reasons to Change the Locks
Other reasons to change the locks may include:
- Could you exit through all necessary doors and windows in an emergency?
- Does your property have adequate physical security?
- Do you have keys to all your doors and windows, for general access and opening?
- Are some of the locks broken or are any of the locks damaged – do they still work and are they secure?
- Do your locks meet USA Standard now a stipulation of most insurance policies?
Charlotte Locksmith Lock Change Service
Charlotte Locksmith can change locks on doors and windows, including garage doors, external doors and gates, etc. Our Locksmiths can also check that existing window locks and door locks have been correctly installed, are secure and conform to USA Standards. As Charlotte Locksmith provide a professional, reliable service 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Nationwide, we can arrange a visit at a time and date that is convenient to you.