Magna Latch By D&D Technologies - The Worlds Most Sought After Swimming Pool Security Product

We have been extolling the virtues of this fabulous Australian company for a few years now and we continue the series with another video from their range of products.

It wouldnt surprise me that you have seen a lock system like this in your neighborhood, because the MagnaLatch by D&D Technologies is the number one sought after pool gate locking system made.

Endorsed by more local city inspectors and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) than virtually any other competing brand, the MagnaLatch is one of, if not, the simplest product of it's kind to install. It is far more competitively priced than other comparable systems and is well known the world over as simply "The Best".

You wouldn't trust your security and the safety of your children to just anyone, would you?

The MagnaLatch has been around about 25 years. It consists of a top pull handle that is key lockable using the well known Lock Focus cam lock key systems. Most keys are coded, allowing for easy replacement from your local locksmith company. We can even master key them if desired.

(source...)

The Gun Debate Rages On and On and On...

The debate that is raging across the country today regarding gun ownership and availability, appears to be causing significant stir and spin across the political divide. Whether or not you agree or disagree with opinions being raised is pointless while the constitution allows for almost any citizen to "bear arms".

While the politicians continue to bicker over principles, mostly in reaction to recent deplorable events in schools, perhaps a better approach might be to require (with suitable legislation) all gun owners to own a suitably manufactured security safe, especially designed to comply with deliberately specified standards.

Back in November 2008 we posted an article here about safes and some regulations according to the state of California.

I came across an excellent video on Youtube that gives a really great explanation about gun safes It runs about a half an hour and is well worth watching, especially if you own firearms. See the video below.

Whether or not you personally choose to enter into the gun debate, realize that changing the USA constitution will be a monumental task that i suggest will be difficult at best.

My opinion (or just about any opinion) is irrelevant while the constitution protects the "right to bear arms".

I personally think that governments across the country should implement rigid legislation requiring gun owners to own a gun safe

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket or Cavity Door Lock - Now Available

The Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket/Cavity Door Lock is now available for purchase from us.

There are two available colors, Satin Chrome and Chrome Plate.

Please visit our sister site to purchase in the source below.

$120.00

(source...)

MEM Mechanical Electro Magnetic Locking Devices

FSH are an Australian company at the forefront of design for electric locks, strikes and unique security locking devices. Trevor Mackle is a principal and leading engineer/designer with FSH and was awarded with the People's Choice Award from the ABC television program "The New Inventors", a couple of years ago.

A rather interesting video on their website shows the actual segment that explains how this product differs from mainstream electro magnetic locking devices.

The MEM is actually smaller than other brands but packs significantly better mechanical locking attributes and equal to superior holding force.

Compact enough to fit in a variety of applications, the product is light years ahead in technology and design. It is very user friendly and surpasses many international standards.

Home Invasion Statistics Across USA

Home invasions across the USA are increasing supposedly due to the poor economy and the ease at which perpetrators are learning to ply their trade, thanks in part to the enormous amount of information spreading across the internet.

There are a few companies here that are producing unique quality products aimed at preventing home invasions and identifying criminals.

StranDNA is one such company that produce a modern itteration of the ages old door chain.

Strikemaster II is produced by A Safe Homes International, designed to repair a broken door frame casing while at the same time preventing future door kick ins.

OnGard Door Brace is produced by an Atlanta based company designed to prevent door entry.

Bilock is an internationally acclaimed guaranteed 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof key system with keys that cannot be copied.

Many of the above products cannot be purchased at the big box stores, only from approved industry professional locksmith companies.

For further information on any of the above listed products, please contact us at your convenience.

Chain Reaction DNA - 21st Century Door Security Chain

StranDNA are a United Kingdom based company that have re-invented the humble door chain, found across the world for the past couple of centuries.

This intelligent device provides two distinct differences from the humble door chain of yesteryear.
A) A 110db piercing alarm at the point of entry.
B) Sprays a UV mist with a unique DNA

The law enforcement agencies across the world have been using modern forensic technologies for the last few decades to identify perpetrators of crimes. But speedy results have been difficult to achieve until recent developments in DNA sequencing.

StranDNA have produced a replaceable canister that is easily installed into the unit. The fluid/mist, when encountering the perpetrator, leaves a unique identifiable DNA trace that remains active for up to 3 months (based on exfoliation)

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is the USA based approved instructor of especially trained and permitted StranDNA products.

Criminal defense attorneys in the USA will have an unsurmountable burden of proof to dissuade a court of their clients involvement in a crime, when the DNA product clearly provides investigators with conclusive proof of their involvement, dramatically reducing lengthy investigations and reducing the costs for local law enforcement agencies to provide incontrovertible evidence of involvement.

Soon to be released in the USA, only approved installers trained by the Society Of Professional Locksmiths will be able to help residents and tenants and also local law enforcement departments effectively reduce crimes.

(source)

ABC News 10 New York - Deceiving Viewers

ABC News 10 New York back in early November started airing some odd interviews with a former burglar, in a rather odd attempt to get advice to consumers about how to secure your homes.

While some of the advice is on par, it is troubling and obvious that this "expert" does not know the law or life safety codes regarding double cylinder locks and why they should not be used.

He goes on to suggest other ideas as well that are a little ambiguous also. He suggests that alarms are the difference between security and not. Nothing is further from the truth. Alarms cannot and can never provide any form of physical security protection.

Virtually all burglars know that if they set off an alarm to an unoccupied property, sure the authorities will turn up eventually, but the burglar just hides out of sight from the authorities. Usually the authorities will deem the alarm a false alarm, write the owner a bill for their attendance and leave the premise. The burglar comes back a second time and may indeed set the alarm off again, but is secure in the knowledge that the authorities are not going to return quickly to that property because they think it is false alarming. The burglar then does their damage and the homeowner suffers the loss. Often insurance companies will likely reject a claim because the authorities have written a false alarm ticket.

This "expert" suggests to use a "charliebar" in a sliding door. This is a suggestion however all burglars know how to easily and quickly bypass a charliebar. The suggestion of a broom handle or 4x2 in the track is often better, but the best suggestion is to put a self tapping screw in the top of the track to prevent the door from being lifted.

The only suggestion of merit in the article (see source below) is using 3" screws or better strike plates, but this is the primary reason the Strikemaster II Pro is such a formidable foe to burglars.

When it comes to windows, this "expert" suggested double cylinder locks. Double cylinder locks are illegal in almost every jurisdiction in the USA, if used on primary entry doors. The best suggestion is to use products like ShatterGard window security film, that actually prevent a window from being broken.

Shame on you ABC 10 New York for misleading consumers with advice from a burglar instead of a professional locksmith security expert.

(source...)

Many Manufacturers Announce Price Increases Today

A recent memo from some of our suppliers informed us about many of the leading brand manufacturers increasing their prices for their products, effective February 1st, 2012.

Assa-Abloy, HES, Schlage, HID, etc are among the few who have raised their prices.

Lucky for some, we actually lowered many prices on our specialty inventory items.

It is a competitive market out there and by offering the identical products to everyone else online and offline, the only way to remain competitive, many vendors can only compete on labor charges.

Fortunately, by offering products that are less mainstream than brand named lines, we can offer super-competitive prices, as long as you are not fussed about having the brand named products.

We offer Cal-Royal, Carbine, LSDA, Baron, Emtek, Meroni, Cowdroy, Lock Focus, Bilock products that are often similar in application to the more mainstream brands but at more competitive prices.

We will also provide any brand, upon request if we can get it.

Preventing Smash And Grab Entry - Smash Proof Glass

We have been extolling the virtues of Shatter-Gard window film products for a short time lately and are still conducting our own tests on this fabulous product.

Saf-Glas are a manufacturer of world leading modern polycarbonate glazing products that are so tough that they can virtually prevent any window from being smashed.

Window smashing is well known as one of the primary methods of entry in burglaries. There are a few manufacturers of products designed to reduce the likelihood of this security breach, one being ShatterGard, that we are proud to offer. But if you were to install these type of secure windows during construction of your buildings you will mitigate the potential for suffering a break in from this method, almost completely.

The video above is an excellent example of how and why polycarbonate glazing products are so good.

Many window manufacturers today build double glazed windows with an Argon gas layer between the frames. This is to reduce the heat or cold from getting in. But these windows need to be sealed correctly too. We receive a significant number of calls from people who need seals replaced because of moisture getting between the frames. We do not provide this service.

We also receive numerous leads from people who experience glass breakage due to a stone thrown from a lawnmower that breaks the sliding patio door window. We do not replace glass. Many customers think that replacing the glass in a sliding door is a simple and quick task. Unfortunately it is not, especially when you consider that most windows today are the Argon filled double glazed types. Most replacement windows require to be custom built to suit the application, hence why windows and frames can be quite expensive.

Consider installing polycarbonate glazing as an alternative to typical windows. It may be more expensive initially but in the long term you will save considerable pain and anguish let alone replacement window costs.

The tornado that hit parts of St Louis, Missouri at Easter last year, smashed many of the glass windows at St Louis Lambert International Airport, effectively closing down part of a terminal for close to 6 months. This could have been prevented if builders had used smash proof and tornado resistant polycarbonate glazing products as opposed to glass.

If only we could have the benefit of hindsight to give us 20/20 vision.

(source...)

Strikemaster II Pro - Product Update

A Safe Homes International has recently released some exciting new upgrades to the Strikemaster II Pro line of Door Frame Security products.

We have been selling this terrific product, well over 4 years now and have installed numerous units to people whose homes have suffered a break in due to door frame casing failure.

The updated product line, now includes a patent pending model designed to secure french (double) doors.

Also included in the line is a Door Edge Pro, designed to further strengthen the mechanism on the door edge. These simple, yet ingenious improvements further bolster the product line and to top things off - they have reduced the price for these fabulous products.

In this economy, where many manufacturers seem to be increasing their prices for their products, when the market is still suffering from economic sticker shock, along comes a quality inventor/manufacturer who releases product at lower pricing.

The incidence of break & enter is increasing across the world, as shown in our periodic crime statistics posts. Strikemaster products are purposely designed to offer the protection you need at a fraction of the prices that other makers want to charge.

Beware of copy cat products. Strikemaster products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.

View their new website in the source below for explanation videos and demonstrations of the new products.

(source...)

The Door Club

The residential security market is an ever changing and growing market. More and more unique products are surfacing that may enable residents to better protect themselves, their families and their properties.

In past articles here, we have discussed a number of products that are designed to prevent door kick ins.

The Strikemaster 11 Pro is our favored product for securing a residential entry door from the instance of door frame failure, the symptom that occurs when someone tries to kick the door down. It allows the door to be secured when you leave your home or dwelling.

A few days ago we posted a video about the OnGard door brace. A unique product designed primarily to thwart door kick-ins, while you are home, effectively thwarting home invasions. While the product is indeed a revolutionary idea and made from the highest quality materials, we recently came across another variation of the product from a well known manufacturer of other security products. The Door Club (pictured above), effectively does the same thing as the OnGard brace system. It is a competitively priced option that may appeal to consumers for it's aesthetic appearance and simplicity of use/storage.

It is easily installed by drilling one hole into floor surfaces such as wood, ceramic, carpet, tile, marble and granite. The Door Club is designed to withstand two tons of direct force, enough to keep would be intruders from kicking the door open.

Easily installed, the device comes with all installation hardware and instructions, including the mounting storage bracket that attaches to the door itself.

$24.99

(Source...)

OnGard - Preventing Home Invasions

A very interesting and unique security product recently released is making the instances of home invasion virtually impossible.

The OnGuard product is a combination of solid materials that when installed correctly virtually renders your door impenetrable.

Installed simply and easily by anyone, it is one of the more cost effective security protection devices you will find today.

(source...)

Crime Statistics Creve Coeur, MO February 2011

Pictured here is a map of the Creve Coeur, MO municipality and the statistics of crime reported in the source below. from the Creve Coeur Police Department.

The Creve Coeur Police Department is well known in the west county region for it's effectiveness on reigning in crime. They are a credit to their funding.

In February 2011, according to the picture here, there were 265 incidents reported to police.

These incidents include at least 200 alarm responses that police attended.

Police attended to 5 incidents where they wrote Breaking & Entering as the incident.

Police attended to 16 incidents where they wrote Property Crime as the incident.

Police attended to 39 incidents where they wrote Theft as the incident.

There are many reasons that crimes occur. Many of the incidents can be prevented by increasing your security preparedness.

An alarm system is one method, but prone to many false alarms. Police attend to monitored alarm calls, but there is usually a cost, borne by the homeowner or resident. Often police will allow 1 or 2 a year free, but regular false alarms add up to significant manpower hours, that are billed to residents.

Cost effective security products like door frame strengtheners and quality deadbolt locks are essential to improving the security of your properties. Often these small purchases can protect you and prevent crimes like break and enter.

Equally as important are key control systems. Key control systems, restrict the ability of authorized key holders to duplicate keys. Many incidents are happening because owners or managers are unaware of who may have a copy of their key. Preventing unauthorized access to your property significantly reduces crime of opportunity.

(source...)

While You Are Sleeping - Daring Burglars

Burglars are sometimes a crafty lot. They are indeed becoming more and more bold in their endeavors to outsmart residents.

Too often, many homeowners/residents who live with alarm systems actually leave the alarm switched off while they are at home.

Many may think, that a burglar is less likely to attempt malicious entry if someone is actually home at their chosen time of attendance. This is not so in the case of a Louisville KY resident recently.

Cheryl Effinger recently awoke to a disturbing revelation. Her home had been ransacked while they were sleeping. You see, they failed to arm their system upon going to bed. The bold burglars, broke through a downstairs door and caused damage and the loss of some very valuable home furnishings.

"We had turned it off," said Effinger, "because it would sporadically just go off."

Here in lies one of the problems with alarm systems. Many homeowners/residents are fooled into thinking that an alarm system is designed to protect them. Similarly to video surveillance systems, an alarm system cannot protect. An alarm system can only inform that a particular condition is occurring or has occurred.

You can pay a monitoring company to monitor your alarm system for a hefty monthly sum, but it does no good if it is switched off. In many precincts, the police, who attend to alarm calls for the monitoring centers, will invoice the homeowner for attendance, especially for false alarms. This adds to the real term cost of having an alarm monitoring contract. (something rarely divulged by an alarm system sales person)

Please dont be fooled by the alarm companies, especially when they use the closing sales spiel of 'your insurance premium will reduce by as much as 15%'.

Did you realize that the insurance companies and many alarm system providers are in cohoots? Insurance companies do offer some premium discounts if you have a monitored alarm, but rarely do they offer similar discounts for properly installed protective equipment, like good quality deadbolts, window security film or door frame strengtheners. Probably because they do not have an "arrangement" with protective equipment manufacturers.

Installing some of our products or similar, will greatly increase the physical security of your entries and likely thwart burglary attempts.

Often, locksmiths will provide obligation free security assessments with advice on methods to prevent attempted break ins. Yes, they can and do recommend products they stock and they often will provide expert advice on extra security prevention methods that are inexpensive/free.

For an obligation free assessment, contact your locksmith professional today!

(source...)

Pneumatic Pocket Door - Star Trek Style

It's no secret that I have a fascination for pocket doors and systems designed to efficiently lock them.

I have been selling a pocket door lock for about 12 months now that is meeting and exceeding demands from discerning buyers.

An enterprising fellow has created his own version of an automatic sliding pocket door that is really well built and fully functional. The above video is his explanation of what it does. It is really simple and requires parts that can be purchased at the hardware store, so cost is relatively inexpensive. Perhaps the Star Trek era is coming even closer to reality.

I suggest visiting the authors site in the source below for more knowledge and installation steps.

What do you think? Is this something you could perceive in your abode?

The era of door knobs and hinges, I suggest is on the decline.

(Source...)

Door Jamb Armor - Installation difficulty

D

Door Jamb Armor is a great product! No doubt. I personally do not sell it. I believe it is advertised as a DIY product, however as the above video shows, it is not so easy. Even the so called experts have trouble.

UFO Meroni - The Most Secure Locking System For Your Work Truck

The Meroni UFO is one of, if not the strongest locking product I have seen to secure work trucks and vans.

We previously posted about the Meroni UFO in December 2009.

The above video shows just how secure the product is when put to the test. Yes, this is a deliberately staged demonstration, but it shows the lengths required for a determined burglar to go to, to defeat the product.

How important is the security of your tools or the products you house in your work vehicle?

We intend to stock these products in due course. If you are in the trade services business, your tools of trade are vital to your livelihood. So securing them properly is vital to maintaining your income.

Secureview - Storm Door Protection

Storm Doors are very common across America on most households.

Many homeowners use storm doors as added protection from the elements, however just as many will use them as screen doors enabling the main entry doors to be left open while allowing the breeze to come in and keep the insects out.

The top picture shows how Secureview products can be used in a sea view setting too, allowing patio doors or windows to be left open while maintaining secured access to a dwelling.

This picture, shows how Secureview screens and doors can be applied in a typical residential setting. They are designed to efficiently maintain the ambience and character of an entry door way while providing some of the toughest protection against attack from would-be intruders.

This is another view of a typical installation of a Secureview storm/screened door application.

Below, the pictures show that the screens are designed to withstand attacks from hammers and knives.

The T316 marine grade stainless steel mesh uses the same metal composition specified by performance yacht manufacturers on crucial fittings and cables.

Years of research and development by security experts, has enabled Secureview to launch these class leading designs on the market, backed by innovation that works.

Secureview is continually tested and passes the highest required standards including:

• Knife Shear tests
• Impact tests
• Anti-jemmy tests
• Pull tests

SecureView is a proven high grade woven T316 black stainless steel mesh screen that delivers superior protection. It keeps intruders and insects out without spoiling your view.

SecureView is custom assembled by factory trained technicians into an extra strong aluminium frame to suit your exact home, office or commercial building specifications and incorporates the very best locking systems.

As the name suggests, SecureView provides maximum security without sacrificing your view or blocking out breezes.

SecureView is available in a full range of configurations for residential and commercial applications including designs for:

• Sliding doors and windows
• Hinged doors
• Casement, awning and double-hung windows
• Fire and Emergency Exit screens
• Balustrades
• Pool fencing
• Outdoor room extensions

• Shop fronts

(source...)

Strikemaster II Pro - New Shipment Just Arrived

Pictured here is a typical broken door frame/jamb, after a kick-in attack.

According to discussions I have personally had with members of local law enforcement agencies, this is the most typical method of break ins they come across.

Today, we received our first shipment of the new and improved Strikemaster II Pro door frame strengtheners.

In the second picture you can see the new version and how it looks when installed.

The new version includes an extended lip allowing better engagement of the entrance lock latch mechanism. It also includes a couple of knock out pieces for the deadbolt mechanism, to allow for varied installations (deadbolt is either fitted above or below a typical entrance set). Each unit still comes with ten (10) three inch (3") screws that connect the unit to the stud behind the frame.

I have been installing locks and systems for over 25 years in multiple countries across the world and typically, I have seen very similar entry techniques, just about everywhere.

Most entrance doors in the USA are metal clad wooden doors using typical key-in-knob entrance sets, sometimes with deadbolts also fitted above or below.

In cases of door frame failure (like pictured above), rarely has the actual door hardware failed. Even the cheap quality locksets can stand up to abuse, but the door strike (where the lock closes into) always seems to fail.

Using a Strikemaster II Pro, not only prevents door frame failure, but it repairs the damages often resulting from a kick-in.

Many door repairers will rarely quote to repair an existing door and frame because often the costs in labor are equivalent to or close to the costs of total replacement. Many door centers sell only complete doors and frames and they vary in cost from ~$500.00 for parts only. I have spoken with many builders and carpenters and builders about their average installation prices and the common reply is around $500.00 to $750.00 for labor.

The Strikemaster II Pro sells for $99.95 (plus tax). Installation usually takes a half hour with my installation and call out fee of $55.00.

Repairing your kicked-in door for less than $200.00 is smarter and more cost effective than a total door replacement.

Videx Cyberlock - ( Bumped ) Vulnerable

The Cyberlock by Videx, has long been touted as bump proof and pick proof, but as the above video displays, a determined enthusiast has shown a vulnerability that cannot be ignored.

Admittedly, he uses an especially modified magnet that fits the keyway profile of the particular cylinder, but it shows a determined person can bypass the cylinder (quite easily).

It should be stressed that this is a carefully staged demonstration, but it certainly shows a vulnerability previously unknown.

Electronic systems are still in their infancy and the Cyberlock by Videx is an excellent modern access control system that is considered ahead of it's time.

But it does stress the importance of secure mechanical systems like our signature product Bilock, that enables totally secure bump proof and virtually pick proof, mechanical key operating systems, offering TOTAL key control and color coded, easy to secure and identify lock and key systems, at significantly more competitive costs.

Arguably, consumers are requesting better security options that are economical, easy to use, efficient, fault free and long lasting.

Bilock has proven itself in many and varied applications around the world, repeatedly as an affordable alternative to securing your property cost effectively.

With the significantly reduced cost for top of the line security protection, you are better served in all respects by Bilock Extreme Security products.