C&R Lock Service Ballwin, MO 63011

I usually refrain from alerting customers to businesses that are indirectly and directly my competition, however in the case of C&R Lock Service Inc. I find their willingness to be accomodating and supportive to me at times of extreme benefit.

Ron Schwarz, the owner is a long time experience and qualified tradesperson with a great many dedicated years providing service to the greater St Louis region.

Located in Ballwin, MO 63011, their shop is like a stalwart of the past. Still operated largely, computer free, the old fashioned way continues to offer friendly, personalized and professional services to customers who demand more from their trades services people.

Certainly many products are offered at the big box hardware stores, of which there 3 in very close proximity, but rarely will you find the attention to detail, the first class knowledge and experience of trained personnel or that obscure part to repair your product, rather than buying a new one.

I have personally known Ron for the last 5 years and work with him to service West County clients. I always recommend clients who call me, to visit his store for duplicate keys rather than pay for a service call from a mobile service like me. It is beneficial and cost effective to visit an established, experienced shop and operator who can advise and provide products and services that the unfriendly big box cannot.

One day, perhaps I too will have my own shopfront to offer services to passing trade. Until then I am very happy to recommend Ron as one of the most pleasant locksmith competitors in my area.

Please visit C & R Lock Service Inc at 14774 Clayton Rd Ballwin MO 63011

Locksmith Scammers Caught and Indicted

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

RICHARD G. CALLAHAN
United States Attorney

February 18, 2011
For Immediate Release

OWNERS OF FLORIDA LOCKSMITH SERVICE INDICTED IN SCAM TO OVERCHARGE FOR LOCKSMITH SERVICES

St. Louis, MO: The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the owners of a Florida based locksmith service were charged in a superseding indictment on multiple federal charges involving a scam to overcharge customers for locksmith services, as well as employing and harboring illegal aliens.

According to the superseding indictment, Dependable Locks, Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, FL, managed a national network of locksmith technicians, operating from major population centers across the United States, including St. Louis. It also maintained a full-time staff of telephone operators and dispatchers, who were on duty 24 hours per day in Clearwater. The dispatchers received phone calls electronically forwarded from hundreds to thousands of telephone numbers listed nationwide for emergency locksmith services, all of which forwarded consumer calls to the call center in Florida. The dispatchers received the calls and the business dispatched locksmith technicians from the area of the call to respond. Many of the locksmith technicians working for Dependable Locks were aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States and were not authorized to work as locksmith technicians.

The indictment alleges that the locksmith company engaged in deceptive marketing by purchasing directory listings and advertisements in cities across the United States that identified the business to the public as a set of local locksmith companies. The company’s listings used multiple business names, local phone numbers and fake local addresses that had no affiliation with the company. Phone calls to the listed phone numbers were automatically routed to the company’s call center in Clearwater, Florida. In addition, telephone operators for Dependable Locks were instructed by managers to mislead customers to believe that they would be charged around $54 for a car lockout, while the responding technician was instructed by managers to charge up to $179 for a lockout. Technicians used techniques such as accusing the consumer who objected to the overcharge of "theft of services," threatening to call the police, withholding the customer's keys or driver's license to compel payment or following the customer to an ATM machine to ensure payment.

The locksmith technicians allegedly were allowed to split the profits of the fraudulently procured locksmith services with the company and were required to remit the company's share of the proceeds by regularly purchasing and shipping cash, checks and money orders to the Dependable Locks location in Clearwater, FL.

"After more than a year of following numerous leads with ICE and the Missouri Attorney General's Office, we are pleased to see this case continue to progress," said Postal Inspector J.R. Ball of the St. Louis Field Office. He added, "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is vigilant in investigating allegations where the mail or postal products are used to conceal or further a crime."

DAVID PEER, Clearwater, FL; and ADAM OLIVKOVICH, address unknown, were indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five felony counts of mail fraud, one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain and one felony count of engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens. MOSHE AHARONI, Clearwater, FL, was indicted on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain.

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Conspiracy to harbor unlawful aliens for private financial gain carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a fine of $3,000 per alien. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys John Sauer and John Ware are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

(source...)

Altic Lock Service - Indianapolis IN 46203

Altic Lock Service is a fellow member of "The Society Of Professional Locksmiths" located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Barry Campbell, owner of Altic Lock Service, is bonded, insured, and holds two locksmith certifications. He has received further manufacturer training from MAG Manufacturing, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, and Arrow Lock. He is a former Professional member of the International Conference of Building Officials. Barry began working as a locksmith over twelve years ago. Altic Lock Service is now in its sixth year of operation.

We, at Master Key Systems America LLC - St Louis Locksmiths, like to recommend ethical and honest qualified professional locksmith companies, whom we know are trained professionals and can service discerning clients in their region.

Choosing a reputeable company is very important to businesses and residents intent on providing first class professional and reliable services designed to protect business or family interests.

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is a USA based organization that sets a new standard for like minded professional locksmith companies and personnel.

(source...)

Square - Our New Credit/Debit Card Processor

Last year, we decided to enroll in a very new payment processing service/product known as Square. What we like about Square's product offering, is it's simplicity in design, process, minimal fee structure and the fact that it's is the brainchild of local St Louis entrepeneurs.

Simple to use, you insert the reader into your website connected smartphone, launch the app and swipe away. Enter a customers email address if they want a copy of the transaction emailed to them and that's it.

This product is a blessing for small businesses everywhere because it takes the pain out of payment processing, puts power back in the hand of the vendor and reduces costs associated with time, labor and computer or peripheral GUI training.

Do yourself and your business a favor, become a Square user and support another St Louis business while reducing your costs and inconveniences.

Your clients and your profits will be happier and higher, for sure.

Blogroid - Blogger and Android collaborate

Techies and early adopters rejoice, Blogger is now an Android app.
This will hopefully make it easier to write new articles and posts of interest and posts them from the field.

This is my first attempt at using the new app, so I hope it works well.

I look forward to posting more articles in this genre using the Blogger app for Android

Schlage Securekey Bumped

The new style Schlage Securekey Lock is the subject of much discussion recently and our post on Schlage Securekey Problems is one of this sites most popular posts. As popular is this sites post on Kwikset Smartkey Problems.

The above video shows how easily the Schlage Securekey Lock can be bumped. It was believed that Schlage's motivation for releasing this lock was to thwart the bump key phenomenon and to also provide the owner with the ability to rekey their own lock, rather than calling the services of a professional locksmith.

The quantity of issues with this product are mounting daily and this new example of the ease in bypassing/bumping or manipulating the lock, should be an indication to prospective buyers of what not to purchase.

These locks are primarily available at big box hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes. No self-respecting, ethical, honest retailer can offer this product for sale in my opinion.

Search Engine Statistics for January 2011

Here are the top 10 January's search stats that lead people to this website.

Interesting to note how many people seem to be searching for information on the Kwikset Smart Key Problems and the Schlage Securekey Problems.

Our Keyed Pocket Door Lock continues it's amazing run in popularity, too.

Kaba-Ilco Simplex 1000 Fault

Pictured here is the Kaba-Ilco Simplex 1000 Access Control lock, that is the subject of a wide ranging lawsuit previously mentioned.

The fault, which renders this lock totally insecure, can be easily performed by anyone using a rare earth powerful magnet, that is easily purchasable for about $125.00

Many government departments, institutions including hospitals, police stations, computer rooms, schools, medical facilities, file rooms etc, that have this lock or similar range of mechanical access control locks (Simplex 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 series etc) are now vulnerable to this simple "hack".

I feel that displaying the method here would be very inappropriate, however you can find it yourself (with a bit of digging) through the source below.

Suffice to say, I believe that any purchaser of this lock or similar, needs to be made aware of the fault and appropriate action be performed to replace it/them with a more secure device.

(source...)

EDIT: February 1 2011. Kaba-Ilco could have produced a fixer for their flagship product. Apparently, the newer models released in January this year, may be impervious to the magnet attack. (source...)

Xena - Padlock Alarms that are a cut above

Xena, a manufacturer of intelligent alarms that are portable, inexpensive and functional with the added ability of also being padlocks and other security devices are a new style product combining both physical and electronic security.

The many and varied uses for their products, augment well, an increasingly specialized market that demands quality and affordable products tailored at consumers desires to increase the security of their personal fixed and mobile applications.

The Bullet-Lock Alarm is a unique product that can be used on a multitude of applications.

I continue to be a skeptic of the value of alarm systems, however when a product comes along that incorporates both an alarm and a physical security product, I can only see a seldom seen combination that might actually improve the security of your property.

The Disc-Lock alarm, not only alarms your motor cycle, but actually prevents it cycle from being driven away.

A 110dB alarm, is often enough to attract the attention of onlookers, a hazard that potential burglars may see as a detriment to their chosen prey.

(source...)

Salto - Revisited

Two new products, tailored to the North American market have recently been released by Salto.

Pictured here is the Salto mechanism designed to convert the humble entrance set (most common in USA) to the ultra-secure Salto RFID wireless access control system.

Also recently released (not pictured) is a cylinder designed to be used with conventional wooden and aluminum door mortise locks.

Certainly these products are not cheap, but the convenience of high-security access control and audit trail features using the world reknowned Salto Inspired Access systems, separates this company from the other players.

Check them out! You are sure to be impressed.

(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...)

Word Of Mouth Referrals

Choosing a reputable locskmith.

If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you. (source...)

Testimonials

Guaranteed testimonials are integral to verifying your chosen provider. We here at Master Key Systems America LLC - St Louis Locksmiths (314)266-1533, pride ourselves on our developing reputation. The testimonials here are genuine feedback from Service Magic clients

In Case There’s a Next Time

Once you’ve found a reputable locksmith, keep the company’s name and contact information in your wallet and address book at home or at work. You also may want to program this information into your home and cell phones. This can save you time and trouble the next time you need these services.

For more information see the FTC website.

Male Chastity - Unusual Security Product

I thought long and hard (forgive the pun) about whether or not to post this article, for obvious reasons.

But I decided that it fits into the unusual and unique security products category, if you open your mind a bit.

This product was originally tailored to women but could be considered by any chosen persuasion, keen on keeping their male partners from straying.

Of course you can choose your own preferred brand of padlock.

(source...)

Modern Master Key System Design

Traditional master key systems were designed primarily by architects or door personnel without necessarily much experience in locksmithing.

Many existing master key systems found today have been created by the Original Equipment Manufacturer and often do not or cannot be serviced by them, requiring assistance from suitably qualified and trained locksmiths.

The benefits of a locksmithing background are immense when designing, creating and building a master key system.

Traditional systems usually included one central grand master key designed to work every door/lock in a building or group of buildings. These buildings could be in the same location or multiple locations. Then there would be sub-master keys, held by individuals requiring access to only a designated area and not all areas. Next there were servant keys (a.k.a. Change Keys) designed to work the individual lock.

While traditional systems are still requested today, there are better methods available thanks to products like Abloy Protec and our signature product Bilock.

The modern approach to master keying is akin to the purpose of card access or fob access systems, whereby each lock in the system can be programmed to accept individual keys.

Unlike card access or fob access systems, Bilock and Abloy Protec cylinders work with traditional locksets, reducing the cost associated with new especially designed hardware and electrical connections, computer software programming, training of staff to implement and carry out changes etc.

With Bilock, we can tailor any system to as many as 16 million different keys per keyway. That means that virtually any lock in any building, campus or group of buildings, whether in the same location or multiple locations can be mechanically programmed to accept many different keys.

With Bilock, you can enjoy painless rekeying, thanks to the Quick Change Core function. Missing or lost keys can be removed from the system without affecting other key holders. The locks (mostly) never have to be removed from the applications (doors).

With Bilock, you can color code your keys to make them individual and original. Each key is only produced as an original and cannot be duplicated easily.

Cost is significantly cheaper than an electronic access control system, because electronics are not used, there is no wiring to overheat, short out, suffer from power outages. No circuit boards are used requiring foreign made parts to repair.
Your locksmith can usually repair or replace a faulty part instantly. Your maintenance person can often take the lock to your locksmith for instant quick repairs as opposed to waiting for a licensed, qualified electronic technician, especially trained in your electronic product category.

To Be Or Not To Be - A Safe

This interesting video in German (subtitled in English) shows exactly why you should purchase a quality safe from a quality specialist lock or safe provider.

Many similar models of the cheap safes found in the above video are widely available in big box stores including Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Best Buy and Costco.

After watching the above video, it is very apparent that many consumers, also here in the USA, may be dreadfully unaware that their new el-cheapo purchase will not perform the action for what is intended.

Many of these "safes" (I use the term loosely) are manufactured in countries that have no quality control or independent testing regimes.

If you are going to trust your valuables are secure, your cost is a serious consideration. Pay peanuts, and you will get monkeys!

Search Engine Statistics for 2010

I have gotten into a habit of posting the annual results of searches online that lead people to this website.

Pictured to the left are the top 10 search terms for 2010 that resulted in 1124 hits to this website.

Total quantity of online searches across the many search engines, that caused people to click on this website = 6295 for 2010.

This site accounted for 17.48 hits per day in 2010 just from search engine inquiries.

The success on any website online, is best measured by the quantity of hits received in search engines.

Companies can tout all sorts of indices purporting to offer some sort of indication of your website's penetration, but the best results are those that directly indicate actual website hits.

Google Analytics is easily the best vehicle for reporting these results.

Other results about this site, for 2010 (from Google Analytics):

Direct Traffic : 1620 visits

Referring Sites : 25,246 visits

The above statistics combined also indicate 41,827 pageviews for this website during 2010.

These statistics help me decide where to place my advertising budget for the next year.

Kaba Simplex Pushbutton Mechanical Lock Class Action Lawsuit

Breaking News.

Reports coming in about a possible class action lawsuit against Kaba-Ilco, regarding a fault with their most well known product line, the Simplex Mechanical Access Control Devices.

I have personally sold, serviced and installed Kaba-Ilco Simplex products for over 25 years in this country and overseas. I happened to work for the Australian distributor in the early 1990's and frequently was honoring warranty claims on faulty parts, to which the company would replace and/or repair parts at their borne costs.

While I suggest that any class action lawsuit of this kind would best be fully researched prior to being actioned, I think the manufacturer would make it their priority to rectify faults in their product line with haste.

The details of the claim are in the source below.

(source...)

UPDATE January 28, 2011: New information including video evidence (from a respected watchdog) has surfaced, showing the fault. I will not post a link here, for security reasons, but it is easily found online at www.thesidebar.org website.

Facecrook - Crimes Associated With Social Networking Sites Increases 7000%

Burglars are a crafty lot aren't they? It is becoming ever more apparent that Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites may be indirectly responsible for a spike in crime, that is unprecedented.

As the holiday season approaches, we all need to be much more vigilant in our approaches to personal and physical security.

According to an article in The Daily Mail in Great Britain...

"A Daily Mail investigation revealed this week that over the past three years, numbers of crimes associated with the networking site have increased by as much as 7,000 per cent in some areas — including cases of murder, rape, paedophilia, bullying, assault and burglary."

Police, insurance companies and IT security experts are so concerned that they have issued urgent warnings to users to be more vigilant about the personal information they post on the web. But all the evidence ­suggests that while the public isn’t growing any more internet savvy, the criminals are.

In spite of the warnings, Facebook users continue to tell their ‘friends’ when they are going on holiday; what the address of their party is; when their birthday is; what expensive items they have bought for their homes; and just how sexy they look in that new outfit.

Facebook has become a very popular method to inform friends (and enemies) of your movements. Criminals have been seen to exploit these mediums to gather intel on the movements of their victims.

When you post your status on Facebook, how sure are you that your network of friends are reliable and trustworthy?

In most cases, I suggest friend can be trusted, but remember that it takes just one loose lip to sink a ship.

In the source below, the article explains about some disturbing incidents of crime that have been attributed to status updates on Facebook.

(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...)

Google Adwords 10

Google Adwords is celebrating it's 10th birthday, with a video I just wish the product worked.

Cool advertising idea, but!

Beach Keys

An interesting piece of information has surfaced as to motor vehicle dealers possibly misleading potential car buyers.

Many cars today are equipped with factory installed security features requiring the use of transponder or "chip" keys.

These keys usually have a plastic outer shell/head with a transponder or chip embedded within, programmed to be recognized by the vehicle's onboard computer system. When inserted into the ignition, the correct key is then authorized to start the engine.

Apparently, there are reported cases of customers asking the salespeople if their new car comes with 2 keys, to which the answer is "yes". But apparently the dealers are providing the second key or spare, without the plastic head or embedded pre-programmed chip. This key is known as a Beach Key.

The customer rarely tries the second key and finds out later on (after losing or misplacing the first key) that the spare, which is often a metal only copy, will not actually start the vehicle.

This requires the customer to call an automotive locksmith. Originating a key to a vehicle of this type is an expensive endeavour, that many customers tend to have a rude awakening about.

I suggest that you immediately check the correct operation of all vehicle keys prior to leaving the showroom or car yard.

Kwikset Smart Key - Making Keys

Kwikset Smartkey Locks have been on the market a few years now. Many of these locks have been purchased at the big box hardware stores, without any clue as to the procedure for replacing lost keys.

The lock is able to rekeyed but it is fundamental to have at least one working key.

The use of the above pictured reset tool is required to make a key when all existing keys have been lost.

First, the door it is fitted to needs to be unlocked. The lock must be dismantled and the cylinder removed.

The cylinder is then inserted correctly into the cradle and the actuator turned to the reset position. Insert a new precut key and rekey to same.

Remove cylinder and replace in lock.

In future, you can still rekey this lock provided you have at least one working key.

See also Kwikset Smartkey Fault

Schlage Securekey Problems

Baldwin To Use Kwikset

Schlage Securekey Fault

Kwikset Smartkey Problems

Schlage Securekey Bumped

Locking Product Deficiencies

There are many manufacturers of locks and locking systems. It can be a daunting task, sifting through the mountains of information about product quality and effectiveness, to guide the decision making process.

The Sidebar .org is a site that offers unbiased information and results of independent tests conducted on many security products. The information contained there can help to guide a prospective buyer of security products as to independent, field tested scenarios for some of the modern security products available.

The following products were recently tested by this organisation for quality and effectiveness.

KWIKSET SMARTKEY
BIOLOCK 333 FINGERPRINT LOCK
KABA SAFLOK IN-SYNC RFID LOCK
AMSEC ES1014 ELECTRONIC SAFE

ILOQ C10S ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCK

(source...)

State Farm Insurance - Opinion On Best Door Locks

I read with interest an article (in the website listed in the source below), offering an opinion about the quality of various types of door locks and systems that enable better security in residential applications.

From the site...

Door Locks From a Burglar's Perspective

Burglars prefer to break into a home through a door because it is quick and easy.

A good quality lock is a deterrent. When intruders are interviewed about the selection of a target, many say seeing quality deadbolt locks will cause them to move on to another house.

A burglar can enter the home through a door using several methods:

• The door can be left unlocked.
• Doors can be kicked in.
• Door locks can be picked.
• Door locks can be hammered until they fall off.

Instant Chat Feature

Free Instant Video Chat Feature.

Instructions

• Click on box
• Follow Prompts

Use at your pleasure.

(source...)

St Louis Crime Rate #1 In The Country

The CQ Press just came out with its list of most dangerous cities in America.

St. Louis -- number one in the rankings!

True, there is always a lot of controversy surrounding this kind of report, from people saying things like, "I wish you wouldn't use our data this way; there are a lot of factors that go into crime," and other people saying things like, "It generates discussion, and that's healthy," to still other people saying things like, "While you were discussing this, I was robbed at gunpoint eight times!" So there seems to be a range of opinion.

(source...)

All Time Leading Pages Viewed

Ok folks! Here is what you have asked for. The all time leading pages viewed at this site.

The Home Page

Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock

Biometric Thumblock

Changing Locks

Bilock 1

Bilock 2

Bilock 3

Bilock 4

Keys To Cars

Strikemaster 11

Car Remote Broken

Pocket Door Locks

Why Make Car Keys

Cost To Change Locks 1

Cost To Change Locks 2

Urgent Need For A Locksmith In St Louis

These are the past 4 years results we are looking at. 400,000+ pageviews might yield data that people are searching for. Using these results as a guide to future marketing is proving worthwile. It allows us to get inside of the minds of our prospects, to help us write articles that are of greater interest to searchers.

Most Popular Posts This Week

Pictured to the left here are the statistics for the past week of the most popular posts of the week.

In order of popularity they are:

Kwikset Smartkey Problems

Schlage Securekey Problems

Schlage Securekey Fault

How Much Does It Cost To Change Locks?

Mebeam Now Koowy

Pocket Door Locks With A Key - UPDATE

Breaking News Bilock For Kwikset

How Much Does It Cost To Change A Lock

Bilock - Key Of The Future, Here Today

We have been asked a few times to show the most popular posts of all time according to our Google Analytics data. This will happen in a follow up post.

Breaking News - Bilock For Kwikset

8.00am EST Breaking News... Bilock announce final testing of a new replacement cylinder especially designed for Emtek, Baldwin and Kwikset Door Locks.

The ability for discerning customers to maintain the same hardware is a key motivator and cost savings factor to be considered, when updating to a 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof system that enables authorized signature controlled keys.

Bilock are constantly designing solutions aimed at reducing the customers cost for maintaining higher levels of physical security. To do so without largely buying new hardware is a chore that many competitors in the market are incapable of matching without complete hardware replacement.

By making use of Bilock's patented Quick Change Core system, you can increase the security of your existing door lock at the same time as having a self-rekeyable lock system.

We are expecting a test model shortly and will report more details later. Stay tuned.

Mebeam Now Koowy

A little over 3 years ago, we wrote about a phenomenal new technology (at the time) that allowed for multi-user video web conferencing online for no cost.

see Mebeam Web-Cam Chat For Upto 18 Users

and Mebeam Teleconferencing

Mebeam has since evolved into a newer product that has been streamlined into a way more efficient and easier to use system called Koowy.

While, not too dissimilar to the original version of Mebeam, the backend workings have been significantly strengthened and improved.

Koowy is aptly named I think. Imagine that typical Australian call sign "Cooee" explained here and you may understand where the naming comes from.

Why do I post this knowledge here? Because I believe that security and communications technology are distant cousins. Video surveillance is still an increasing demand industry and using online telecommunications technology to hold one on one or small group video conferencing meetings, can significantly reduce costs for companies or individuals wishing to meet in person with a potential customer or acquaintance, who may be located in a different timezone or destination.

I have tested the product with my Android powered Samsung Epic 4G and while it will work better with the impending Froyo update, it still is able to receive the video feed on my phone (provided you use a flash accepting browser like Skyfire). Being Flash based, reduces the need for installing dedicated software on your chosen device.

I eagerly look forward to testing it out after the Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Froyo update, coming very soon.

Crime Statistics Creve Coeur, MO 30 days to 11/11/10

Pictured here is a mud-map of the crime statistics for Creve Coeur, MO for 30 days ending 11/11/10.

Alarm Response - 163

Break & Enter - 7

Property Crime - 30

Theft - 52

Total = 252 Crimes.

We tailor our results to show just the four categories above. 

New Hidden Camera Report Exposes Another Locksmith Scam

Colorado is not immune to the legions of fraudulent locksmith companies, employing foreign (often illegal) workers, using the classic "bait and switch" tactics.

These companies have been running rampant across America for the last 3-5 years. The above report is from a few days ago, but clearly shows that these people will stop at nothing to rip you off.

Very few locksmith companies can afford to spend what some of these companies spend on advertising in any given month. Locally, I personally know of 2 similar companies that spend between $10,000 and $15,000 each month to be located across the top of all the search engines in the hope to pick up the unsuspecting consumer in need. $10,000 is a lot of money to spend on advertising and it's no wonder they try to charge as much as possible. They are not locals, they are not even trained in the locksmith trade. They are often foreign nationals on leave after completing their national service (of their home country), are put into private unmarked cars, with tools they do not know how to use.

The locksmith trade, across the country is reeling from the affects of these people. Many long established mom and pop companies are having to wind down operations, retrench staff and cut costs to remain solvent. This is primarily due to the influx of scam operators across the country.

In the 2000 census, there were 26,000 locksmiths known in the USA. In NYC, there are 40,000 advertisements online and in the book, this year. If you look at Google Maps, there are usually 20 or more at just about every intersection.

In Saint Louis, there are about 15 total locksmith shops across the greater metropolitan area and about 20 legitimate (known) mobile operators, yet just looking at the listings online or in the directories, you would think that there are considerably more.

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Lokk Latch Pro - Another Aussie Innovation

An Australian product is making it's mark across the world. The Lokk Latch Pro is a superb constructed product that effectively secures almost any gate on any commercial or residential property.

This product can also be keyed to Bilock Extreme Security products.

Simple effective security at affordable prices.

Door Jamb Armor - Installation difficulty

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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.

Wireless Parrot Door Bell

Now this is a product that will tickle the fancy of many a bird lover or others who like unusual and unique gadgets.

The Wireless Parrot Door Bell is something that can provide endless enjoyment and joy to all who visit your front door or entry way.

It will give off bird sounds or up to 6 seconds of pre-recorded sounds, enabling a very unique and different attraction to potential visitors.

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Facial Recogniton Technology tested by US Dept Of Homeland Security

We began selling an imported Facial Recognition device earlier this year and have been testing it for the last few months. It is surprisingly accurate.

Now, a report surfaces that the US Department of Homeland Security recently conducted it's own test of some technology produced by NEC.

In the benchmark test, the 2D technology produced results like 92% accuracy from a criminal database of 1.6 million persons and a 95% accuracy from a database of visa applicants.

NEC says they largely focus on an individual’s eyes, mouth, or nose, while largely ignoring certain other features, for example the eyebrows. The Nikkei (Japan’s leading business daily) tested the technology just recently if it’s able to recognize the face of an NEC researcher through photos that were taken in 1987 and 2010.

NEC now expects the technology to be used for crime investigations or immigration control, for example. (source...)

Our product sells for about $480 and can be used as an interface for access control. You can use it like a time clock/attendance system, control access to secure facilities or specifically to ensure your employees are arriving at work (not getting a work mate to sign them in).

ADT Employs Scare Tactics in Chile

ADT the alarm company, known worldwide as a leading vendor in monitoring services recently employed advertising company DDB in Chile to promote their products to homeowners.

DDB decided to create a cardboard box with the company's advertising slogan printed, to be slipped under prospective customers doors.

The box, folded flat, springs to life after being inserted underneath the front entry door. This is to startle the homeowner into realising that their home is not secure.

Printed on the box, "Breaking into your apartment is easier than you think"

In truth of course, no break ins occurred. But do you consider this good advertising?

Scary, how some peoples minds work!

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In & Out. A New Design For The Push/Pull Handle

Jeon Hwan Soo, a student at SADI (Samsung Art & Design Institute) recently designed an innovative adaption to the panic exit device seen widely throughout the world.

Current panic exit device hardware, produced by varying manufacturers, conforms to an industry accepted design that is over 40 years old.

This new concept, allows a user to immediately know how to operate the hardware. It is simple, yet functional and reasonably easy on the eyes.

The simplicity of this design, allows for installation into a wide variety of door styles including narrow stile door frames and regular stile frames.

Installation is to the body of the door, allowing the door's construction to house all parts.

The construction of the hardware is straightforward, using springs that effectively return the inside and outside operators to original position, efficiently and effectively.

Redesigning the age old panic exit hardware is a challenge that many designers are constantly investigating to enable all people an easier experience to operate.

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The Lockwood 001 Classic

I trained initially as a locksmith in Australia. I completed a four year apprenticeship in gruelling conditions, apprenticed in 3 different companies over the course of four years.

When I began in 1983, the most common lock found on people's doors was the common nightlatch. Key operated on the outside with a turnbutton inside.

Not terribly secure but very efficient in operation. Lockwood Australia, owned at the time by Ogden Industries, had begun to change the face of the residential door market with the introduction of the Lockwood 001 deadlatch.

Significant improvements over the last 30 years have seen this product evolve and continue to be the most sought after physical door security product in the southern hemisphere.

The current version is designed to comply with the international building code's escape laws. Using an upgraded mechanism that enables the interior knob to be unlocked with the outside keyhole and for the inside knob to display it's locked or unlocked condition with a visible notification. The lock still provides for double cylinder protection. It installs to the door rim mounted (surface mounted). Is held on with 6 screws to the door. The strike plate is also surface mounted held on with 6 long screws that actually prevent door frame casing failure.

This product is still the leading deadlock on the market in the southern hemisphere and has proven itself repeatedly as the best of brands for it's function, design, and ease of use.

Now if we just convince northern hemispherians to use the product, perhaps the crime rate here would decrease.

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Nexion Vision

Lockwood Australia, owned by Assa-Abloy Asia Pacific, announced this stylish addition to the Nexion Classic, called the Nexion Vision.

The Nexion Vision electronic keyless lockset represents the next generation in home security. This stylish lockset combines the security of an automatic deadlatch with added safety features, plus the convenience of keyless operation using the Q-Key remote control.

The Nexion Vision Keyless Entry Lockset is battery operated, and emits an audible and visual confirmation of activation by the Q-Key remote control. The Q-Key has a range of up to three metres and uses the latest in encrypted rolling code technology for the highest security possible. Additional Q-Key remotes can easily be programmed by following a simple sequencing procedure. Should the Q-Key remote ever be misplaced, the lockset can be manually operated with a key.

Features

• Keyless entry using Q-Key (remote control)
• Fully encrypted rolling codes
• Safety features include SafetyRelease to minimise the risk of being locked in and Lockout Release
• Simple programming sequence to add or disable Q-keys and has a range of up to 3 metres
• The lockset provides both audible and visual confirmation of electronic activation. The Locksets mode is shown by LockAlert.

LockAlert
The Nexion Vision also has the unique Lockwood LockAlert status indicator that shows at a glance the lockset mode. The lockset can operate in three modes: Secure Mode, Safety Mode and Passage Mode.

Secure Mode (Red) Handles securely locked from both inside and outside

Safety Mode (Yellow) Handles securely locked from outside and free from the inside

Passage Mode (Green) Handles free from both inside and outside

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The Arrow Revolution

Access Control products are increasing in demand today, but very few products seem to live up to the marketed specifications.

One that appears to live up to the hype is the Arrow Revolution. Below is a factory authorised test of the product.

In the recent past, I have displayed my lack of affection for wireless standalone security products. Now I think I may have a reason to cheer.

I strongly suggest that the mechanical backup option be strongly considered and this product can accept our Bilock Extreme Security Bump Proof and Virtually Pick Proof key system.

Price on application (a little under $400).

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