Licensing for trades

In the great state of Missouri, licensing is not required for many trades including locksmiths. It seems as if the government has adopted a policy of licensing only trades that can affect consumers on a personal (i.e. > bodily) level.

Watching advertising practises online, provides many examples of misleading messages. None more-so than the quantity of websites and online advertisements that state "Licensed, Bonded and Insured".

How can one be licensed if licensing does not exist?

If an advertiser is lying to you in print, how can you trust them for real?

Perhaps the consumer doesnt really care whether the tradesperson that answers their query, is licensed or bonded or not?

Bilock Deadbolts - Special December 2009

We have 2 only Bilock deadbolts in Polished Brass (Gold) available for the very special price of $72.00 each.

This unheard of price will probably never be repeated.

2 Keys included.

* Terms on application

EDIT 03/08/2010: All Bilock Prices from now on will be quoted at the Manufacturers Recommended Prices Online (in accordance with Bilock USA's terms). For discounted pricing, please contact us directly by voice or email.

Falcon Automatic Operator

The Falcon Automatic Operator is the latest addition to the Falcon range of superior quality door closers and operators. This amazing product follows closely with Falcon's industry leading range of door hardware products.

This new addition to the Falcon portfolio of door hardware is the most cost-effective solution in the industry for automating entrances. Designed for the commercial market, the Falcon Operator is ideal for assisted living communities, low traffic store front entrances, or automating interior doors for added assistance. An integrated intelligent power boost graduates additional closing assist when door nears latch. This feature helps to ensure secure closing to overcome external conditions and pressure differentials. The control box demonstrates its intelligence by detecting obstructions and will temporarily reprogram opening degree to avoid abuse to the door. The Falcon Operator comes with an easy to install line of accessories including a wireless transmitter and receiver.

(source...)

Strikemaster II Pro

This video shows exactly how and why the Strikemaster 11 product is essential to securing homes and residences. This particular video is almost 4 years old and the price displayed there is incorrect.

The new Strikemaster 11 Pro product is an improvement to the design of this fantastic product and is available now. Whether you decide to order it direct from the manufacturer or through any of their dealers, the price is identical.

We expect stocks of the newer model in about 3 weeks time.

We previously talked about the Strikemaster 11 in March 2008.

(source...)

Baldwin Pocket Door Lock

Pictured here is the Baldwin Pocket Door Lock that is available from Baldwin dealers (including us).

This lock is designed to secure pocket sliding doors with the option of single or double cylinder.

This lock can be keyed alike with Schlage branded keys.

Installation is quite straightforward as depicted in the second picture.

The lock sells for $417.00.

Crime Rate - Maryland Heights December 09

Here are the updated crime statistics for the Maryland Heights/Hazelwood localities, as reported by the Maryland Heights and Hazelwood Police Departments, period 11/2/09 - 12/2/09.

Assault - 8

Burglary - 35

Sex Offense - 4

Robbery - 3

Theft - 186

Theft from Vehicle - 4

Theft of vehicle - 16

Paying attention to the number of thefts, it is important to note that many of the reports include theft of services, passing bad checks, credit card fraud.

Recent news reports have been misleading, in that the crime rate for the entire St Louis region have been declining. It is true that the types of aggravated assaults and weapons offenses have and are in decline, thanks to excellent police work by city and county police departments.

But larceny, property damage, theft from dwellings and break and enterings are seeing a trend upward in quantity.

The unemployment rate and cost of living increases, directly affect the crime rates.

Securing your homes and possessions is of cardinal importance to protect yourselves and your families and your properties.

(source...)

St Louis Police Department Published Crime Prevention Brochure

Pictured here is the current St Louis Police Department burglary prevention brochure, it makes available to residents in the St Louis County region.

I find this particularly troubling because of the very clear mention there of the recommended use of alarm systems before they suggest you use quality locking devices.

Alarm systems never have been nor ever will be crime prevention devices. They cannot be.

An alarm can only and will only inform that an event is occurring or has occurred. They cannot protect or prevent a burglary or burglary attempt.

On page 2 of this brochure, they go on to indicate the use of deadbolts, however they illustrate a double cylinder deadbolt. Double cylinder deadbolts are not legal according to the International Building Code that St Louis County adheres and subscribes to.

What say you, St Louis Police Department? Do you endorse alarm systems over physical security devices?

I suggest "YES", because every monitored alarm system that sounds, whether false or legitimate, the monitoring companies dispatch police officers to attend and therefore the police charge accordingly to the home owner fees for their attendance. It is a money making scheme hatched between alarm system providers and the police department.

For the complete brochure, follow the link below.

(source...)