UPS And Fedex Europe Put Their Trust In UFO+ - By Serrature Meroni

Serrature Meroni, the fine Italian manufacturer of nouveau door locks first produced their design awarded UFO lock system about 10 years ago and have seen relatively large demand for this unique product, swell over the years.

Following direct discussions with both UPS and Fedex engineers, Serrature Meroni proudly introduce the latest update to this very special security product.

Answering their needs for an especially designed product that can be master keyed to a unique stand-alone high-security pin tumbler system using keys that are virtually impossible to duplicate, Meroni reconfigured the entire UFO product line and came up with the fabulous UFO+ product.

See the video that shows a UPS vehicle installed with the new UFO+



This fabulous new product developed in conjunction with engineers from UPS and Fedex, is increasing the security of the new vehicles used by these progressive carriers.

See the installation instructions after the jump and how they look on UPS and Fedex Sprinter vehicles

Flame Retardent Flush Handle - By Lock Focus

Lock Focus, the manufacturer of our fabulous Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike, recently introduced a new product into their line.

The Flame Retardent Flush Handle is especially designed for use on electrical cabinets. The black pan and grip have a warm-to-touch surface and the plastic is self-extinguishing in case of fire.

This lock system is ideal for metal cabinet enclosures that use a 3 point locking rod mechanism to secure the doors

Application tools for installing the snap-in rods are available on request.

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Abloy Vulnerability Discovered In Finland

Breaking News: March 13, 2013

Abloy, the world's largest lock and key product manufacturing company, today denied reports about a vulnerability discovered in the patented disc detainer locking system

Finish police are investigating a string of break ins, where the attacker apparently removed a building master key, housed in a wall safe (for emergency authority access) that was designed to operate communal doors, maintenance rooms etc, then smashed one apartment door to remove the lock and proceeded to dismantle the key cylinder to determine the master key for the apartment complex, using the available sub master key, found in the emergency access vault and determining the discs in the cylinder he managed to access.

He was then able to determine the correct building master key and open all the apartments in that building.

A long time locksmith with over 40 years experience was called in by authorities to forensically verify the police assumption and he found their theory plausible and on point.

Abloy is well known across the world for it's strength and simplicity. It is well knows for it's virtually unlimited master keying properties and until now, was thought to be among the most secure of the available mechanical key security products found in the world.

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BlueID - Bluetooth Dongle Allows You To Use Your Cell Phone As Your Car Key

Yesterday we wrote an article discussing a piece we found in the LA Times about AAA believing that mobile cell phones will soon replace the ages old mechanical metal car key.

I think, perhaps that article was written in response to a product displayed at the CeBIT expo held last week in Germany.


BlueID is a company in Germany that produce Bluetooth kits that allow for access controls to various entries, including but not limited to barrier gates, lifts (elevators), residential and commercial dwelling doors and of course cars, as seen in the picture above. (see video after the jump)

'Nightmare' Bacteria Spreading In U.S. Hospitals, Nursing Homes According To The CDC

An article has appeared in MSN News in the last few days alerting readers to a bacteria that is showing signs of resistance to powerful anti-biotics.

"The  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  said 4 percent of U.S. hospitals and 18 percent of nursing homes had treated at least one patient with the bacteria, called Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), within the first six months of 2012."

"CRE are nightmare bacteria. Our strongest antibiotics don't work and patients are left with potentially untreatable infections," CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden said in a news release. "Doctors, hospital leaders and public health [officials] must work together now to implement the CDC's 'detect and protect' strategy and stop these infections from spreading."

Serrature Meroni, the Italian manufacturer of nouveau door locks and cabinet and furniture hardware, developed their patented Anti-Bacterial handlesets a few years ago, just as the world was learning about Bird Flu.

Cell Phones To Replace Car Keys And Smart Cards - According to AAA

An article that appeared in the LA Times on March 12, 2013, talks about a recent report from the AAA about the likelihood of auto keys being replaced by your cell phone becoming much more prevalent in newer vehicles.

It is no secret that the auto (car) key market has become increasingly an electro-mechanical device, in recent years.

AAA reported that in the last 12 months, they attended around 4,000,000 lockout entries in their service call logs. This number has been quite consistent over the last decade, however they are noticing a decline in the quantity of calls for this type of service.

Safes Of A Different Era - Superb Craftsmanship

Wow!

From Italy - With Love - we're back

We return from abroad this week, with a much needed recharge and more products to write about. Our recent trip abroad allowed us to visit the Serrature Meroni factory just outside Milan, Italy. We also managed to fit in some visits to sites across the country that use Meroni products.

While it certainly was a productive business trip, we managed to fit in some touring and wine tasting activities and also enjoy the fabulous quality and cost savings for genuine Italian leather goods.

In Milan, we visited the world reknowned La Scala opera house, In Florence, the Terrazzo Michelangelo, the Uffizzi and the beautiful city as it is seen at night, while in Venice, we toured the Doge's palace and the fabulous Murano Glass Factory.

The purpose of the trip was to touch base with the talented engineers and manufacturers of the superb Serrature Meroni lock company and to learn more about their exciting range of products, their visions for the future and to discuss minor changes to products to better compete in the market here in the USA.

Up coming articles here will feature expanded discussions about the multitude of different products, Meroni are well known for as well as new products that are likely to make competitors envious.

Stay tuned!

Card Reader That Works Underwater

EMX Industries Inc. have been mentioned in this website before, as makers of super-high quality electronic sensors and switching equipment including keypad and proximity control systems.

They recently brought out a new item that might interest you, who have locations that are prone to a lot of rain or inclement weather environments.

The CR 2000 is a waterproof keypad with wiegand wireless hook up and has the option of a proximity sensor too. It is totally waterproof as shown in the next picture. 

To all you seafloor dwellers, you can now have super easy to use access control that will work continuously submerged.

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Google Analytics - Website Analytics That Work For You

Like many websites, we also use and swear by Google Analytics to measure our penetration across the web.
In the last couple of years we have listed the top 10 search results that led visitors to this site.

We recently determined that between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012 we enjoyed a whopping 72,866 visits to this site. On average, each visitor clicked through 1.5 pages each and spent an average of 1 minute and 8 seconds on the site.

There were visits from 171 countries and about 6200 different cities (includes separate IP addresses)

In the United States alone, we were seen by 45,039 visitors who spent an average 1 minute 53 seconds on the site.

Many Google Analytics users measure performance  by the % of their bounce rate. While this is not a super-accurate metric, it does tend to indicate how your visitors feel about the information presented on the landing page and whether or not they feel the need to look at other pages on your site.

During the same period above, we measure 77.05% bounce rate. This tells us that visitors to our pages, find the answer to their initial search inquiry 77% of the time on the first landing page. The lower the bounce rate, the greater likelihood that visitors are visiting more than just the landing page.

Any business person requires suitable data to determine the effectiveness of their websites and having Google Analytics in your corner, in my opinion is a given.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Cost Increase

As mentioned last week, we have recalculated our costs on the fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock and determined a marginal increase due to the exchange rate and the increase in shipping costs.

This product now sells for $115.00 each + $22.00 shipping inside continental United States.

For delivery to outside the continental United States, please be aware that customs and duties at your end are your responsibility and often incur a slightly higher fee. Please contact us for individual pricing.

We currently are holding 34 units in satin pearl and 9 units in chrome plate.

All orders placed prior to this increase will be honored at the previous price.

Walhub- The Light Switch Keytag/Hook Concept

The Walhub is a revolutionary new adaption of the common light switch, but it changes the functionality slightly to include an intelligent hook/keeper/rack system.

Installation is quite straightforward as the unit can mount in multiple configuratrions.

We post this here because we are constantly misplacing our keys and other abstract items that would be easier to find if they were next to the lightswitch.

What do you think? Could you use something like this?

See the video after the break

Calypsokey - Converting Your iPhone To NFC Compliant

CalypsoCrystal are a Ljubljana Slovenia based manufacturer of high fashion cases for iPhone and other mobile devices.

They recently developed a new case for iPhone with a built in NFC chip (since Apple chose to leave this out from current models).

Including the NFC chip in a super stylish form fitting case tailored to your iPhone, will now enable various wireless access control abilities on the ever popular and iconic Apple product.

Simply slip your iPhone into the special wallet and set up NFC links to your favorite products.

The door lock shown in the video below is a popular product abroad and they being a Europe based company, market their products there primarily however they are starting to see demand from this side of the world too.

Fraud Charges To Be Overturned

BREAKING NEWS St. Louis, MO Alleged fraudulent locksmiths Dependable Locksmiths look like having their conviction overturned

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Thanks Patrick Gatward CRL

The InterLock™ - The Lock that Hides Inside of Your Bike

The Interlock Bicycle Security Device is a new invention by another forward thinking inventor and bicycle rider.

This is yet another example of a security product for your cycle that is cleverly hidden inside the frame, reducing the impracticality of those separately hanging D locks and other elaborate chain and padlock systems we all used for the last century.

Simply remove the seat post and feed into the tube and reattach the seat.

See videos for more details...

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Sales Continue To Skyrocket

Sales of our exclusive product the fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock, continue to skyrocket.

Orders are coming in faster than we expected and our current supply is dwindling.

We have ordered more product from Australia to keep up with demand.

We have 10 left in the Satin Pearl (brushed nickel) and 9 left in the Chrome Plate (bright chrome).

We are expecting replenishing supplies in the next 3 weeks.

If you are delaying your purchase, please be aware that if you wait too long, you may have to wait even longer due to demand.

Thanks for your understanding.

Edit: February 4, 2013 - 6 left in satin and 7 left in chrome

Edit: February 13, 2013 - New product has arrived.

We were informed that shipping costs are increasing too (from abroad). We anticipate a marginal increase in the retail cost, after the current inventory are cleared (probably next week)

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Quick Stand N Lock - Bicycle Security Product With A Difference

The Quick Stand N Lock is a novel concept bicycle lock that might appeal to bicycle owners everywhere. The concept involves the typical bicycle stand used for a great many years by many bicycle manufacturers.

The true portability of this product design is such that, unlike other bicycle locks, that require a separate connectable device that often needs to be strapped to the bicycle, the Quick Stand N Lock is connected in place of the existing stand and locks in place through the bicycle wheel spokes. This prevents the bicycle from being ridden away.

This is still a concept design product, however it certainly is a new and novel way about thinking of bicycle security, no?

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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.

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D&D Technologies - Superior Gate Lock And Hinge Technologies

D&D Technologies have been mentioned a few times previously in this blog. We showed the fabulous LokkLatch gate locking product.

D&D Technologies are another forward thinking Australian company making an impact on the world market.
They have been the preferred manufacturer for all residential and commercial garden and pool fences and gates for over 25 years in Australia.

They have made an impact on the market in other countries too, including the USA. In fact, many local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) specify D&D Technologies products as the accepted minimum standard for pool and gate security.

Above is another video from their range that shows the very versatile spring loaded hinges and why they are such a sought after product. The ease of installation, the quality of material, the range of applications and the ease of adjustment explain why builders, contractors, locksmiths and gate suppliers all over the world love and recommend their products.

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Crime Statistics - Creve Coeur MO 30 days to 1-24-2013

Pictured above is a small mudmap of the most recent crime statistics reported by the Creve Coeur police department for the 30 day period ending January 24, 2013.

We are reporting only Breaking & Entering, Robbery and Theft incidents.

There were a total of 32 incidents including

4 x Breaking & Entering

3 x Robbery

25 x Theft

This certainly shows that the Creve Coeur district enjoys a relatively low level of these types of crimes and explains why property values in this area are climbing faster than other nearby districts.

Kudos is deserved to the excellent policing of the Creve Coeur Police Department in maintaining such a protected community for all residents and businesses therein to share.

We will provide additional districts in upcoming posts showing similar results for the corresponding time period.

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BMWs made before September 2011 at risk of theft from $30 cloned key-fobs (but company says it is 'not legally obliged to help out')

An enterprising gang of car thieves were caught last year on CCTV showing them succeeding in stealing a pre-2011 model BMW motor car.

According to the article, thieves are generally able to go online to any number of asian internet sites and purchase the required materials for around $30.00 and then program their own key to your vehicle.

The kits come with the fob, instructions etc that make this kind of modern day car theft all the more easy.

Essentially, almost nothing is thief proof today. If a determined thief wants in, they are getting in.

BMW claimed in a statement to The BBC that they are "not legally obliged to help out" but later followed up with extra tips to thwart theft of their more modern vehicles.

See the CCTV video (after the jump)

Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt

Schlage recently introduced their new Nexia Touchscreen deadbolt that provides multiple options contained inside one smart looking product. The ability to store up to 30 different 4-8 digit codes, auto-locking feature, built in alarm and wifi - Z Wave controllable, this new product is able to be used with a conventional mechanical key overide. This wireless, battery powered product will modify the landscape, providing users with nouveau access control technology combined with state of the art security protocols.

The video (after the jump) gives an overview of this new product.

How Secure Is your Life?

A couple of years ago I posted an article about thieves in the UK using social media to plot their nefarious activities. In the article we sourced information that suggested (at the time) a 7000% increase in crimes associated with a rather well known social media service.

A new television program in Europe is currently being developed highlighting the talents of a magician, who claims to be able to read minds with a large degree of success.

In the video (after the jump) see how he does it.

How secure are your life records?

S&G 2740 GSA Approved Electro-Mechanical Wireless Safe Combination Dial Lock

The Sargent & Greenleaf 2740 GSA approved electro-mechanical wireless dial combination safe lock has been around a little over a year now and is making significant ground on competitors versions.

S&G have been one of, if not,the prominent safe lock manufacturer for the past century. When manufacturers select their choice of locking system for safes, S&G is usually the industry standard that most other companies attempt to duplicate.

Yes there are alternatives, some of which are more competitively priced, but the quality of S&G components is widely known, the world over, for it's simplicity in design, ease of use and persistent quality.

There are many safes available today that use keypad combination locks. While I can understand the desire for some people to consider a digital keypad, more user friendly, you are attempting to secure your documents, cash, jewellery etc arent you? For that reason primarily, wouldnt you prefer that operating your safe be slightly more difficult than just punching a number?

The S&G principle shown in the above video modernizes the original procedure that most S&G combination safe locks have used over the years.

Telepen - Your Spare Pen That Never Leaves You

 

The telepen is a unique product that attaches to your keyring and makes life easier, wherever you go. An intelligent product that is inexpensive but very useful. Scrambling around to find a pen when you need it can sometimes be a daunting task but with this product you can have it on your keyring at all times.

It measures about 2" long when collapsed and weighs about 1/3 of an ounce. Another intelligent idea that might just make your life a little easier.

This might be a product that locksmith shops could offer with their other keyring options.

Now.......when will someone invent that classy mini notepad that attaches to your cellphone? 

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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

Knock N' Lock - A Revolution In Access Control Technology

Knock N' Lock unique access control products have been around a few years now. We first published an article here back in June 2007.

The video above gives a typical scenario where the product can be typically suited. There are, of course many other applications where this product is especially useful.

Essentially, the lock system uses no visible outside keyhole and consequently ensures total access control to authorised remote control users. Yes, you still require to use the especially designed key, but without a conventional keyhole of any kind, surreptitious attack of a conventional keyhole is avoided, significantly enhancing the security of the application.

View the company website in the source below for further details about this superb access control solution.

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Neverwet - Update

We previously mentioned about Neverwet products back in January this year with our article Neverwet Anti-Icing Technology

Further testing and development has realized a spray can delivery system that easily applies this product to almost any surface in almost any environment.

This originally NASA inspired product is seemingly going to be picked up by government agencies first before a public release to market.

The above video shows more uses of this incredible product.

For the locksmith industry, I see this as an excellent product for locksmiths to offer weatherproofing to existing applications, especially exposed doors, windows and various materials constructions.

Still no release date for the public market, but I am lead to believe it is being suggested for probable release in 2013.

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A New Era - Think New!

Think New! This is my vision for where I want to take this business. I want to alter the fabric of my involvement in the locksmith business and adopt the CANEI Principle. Companies like Keyline above, are pushing the edge of locksmith machinery. I am familiar with their products from time spent abroad. I have always known them to be reliable and cost effective.

We hope to transform our business over the next few years and modernize our machinery and other equipment. We believe the investment in new technologies, both for our business and our customers will be of great benefit to us both.

We will soon travel abroad to visit with suppliers in Italy.

Next year we plan to open our first retail location. We intend to modernize the lock, key and handle industry.
We already offer exclusive products like the Crescent Pocket Door Lock by Cowdroy, the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock and the Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike. Our range of Meroni Hardware is constantly growing. We will soon begin stocking Meroni Combina and Meroni Nova Classico handles in a wide variety of colors. We will offer Meroni Pigio handlesets too. The extensive and impressive range of hardware is ultra modern in appearance and function.

We are constantly on the lookout for more products and stories about the world of locks, keys, safes and related security products and services and we will be writing more articles on this subject. We look forward to you joining us.

Creative Locksmithing - Keying

I am often called to repair and rekey projects from customers who have relied on poorly made copies of their existing keys.

 It probably isnt realised by most, that when a key is duplicated in a conventional key copying machine, every new copy is cut marginally deeper thanks to a tiny layer of metal on the selected for copying key, that is removed as the duplicator guide scrapes and measures the object key. This can also lead to the object key gradually becoming deeper and deeper consequently affecting the quality of all keys duplicated in future. Then, to make matter worse, more people take their copy of the original key to get that duplicated too. The ensuing domino effect happens here. Copies of copies of copies of original keys eventually producing keys that do not work as they are supposed to.
But how and why does this happen to me? is the cry usually heard.

The solution is to try to record the original factory specific key code or depths and store them safely so you can go to a professionally trained locksmith and ask for an original key manufactured to the factory specifications. Often this will be marginally more expensive than just duplicating a key would be, but the benefits of less wear on both keys and locks will save you money and heartache in the long term.

This rather long winded intro to Creative Locksmithing - Keying, probably is a bit much but I thought it might be interesting to know the reasons many duplicated keys dont work (besides the key cutters not knowing how to correctly service and adjust their machinery).

I attended a job site the other day