In this post, our locksmiths give their 8 best (and simple) tips for private homeowners or housing associations. You can quickly implement most of the tips yourself, either to optimize the security of your home or to optimize the workflow in your housing association.
Tip #1 Don't have to change the nameplate on the doorphone
This tip is probably most relevant to housing associations. When our locksmiths visit a housing association to replace or repair an intercom, they often find that residents or the caretaker have stuck names on the intercom. This often looks untidy and is not a long-term solution. This tip is quite simple. By only writing the floor and door number, you can avoid having to replace the nameplate on a regular basis. This ensures a uniform appearance when tenants move in and out. It also means a little less maintenance for the caretaker.
READ ALSO: Door phones and intercom systems in Copenhagen and the surrounding area
Tip #2 Know the security level of your key
Many Danish homes have installed insecure locks that are easy for thieves to break open. It is impossible to tell how secure your lock is just by looking at it. However, you can determine this by taking a look at your key. You can recognize an insecure lock by its round key head. This key has only 5 pins. This type of key can be easily copied, and it is generally easy for thieves to pick the lock. To optimize your security, you should have a lock installed where the corresponding key has a trapezoidal shape and an oval and round hole.
READ ALSO: Door lock
Tip #3 Maintain your locks
Outdoor locks should be inspected every 6 months, as they are more exposed to wind and weather. With care and maintenance, the life of your locks will be significantly extended. They do not rust and do not get stuck as easily. Locks that are not lubricated are prone to breaking and losing their ability to keep out uninvited guests.You should therefore clean and lubricate cylinders and fine mechanics in the lock. When dust and dirt are removed, the lock holds better. In addition, moisture is removed from the internal parts of the lock so that it does not rust. KEYPARTNER recommends using Ruko and ABUS locklubricant specifically for locks. Never use graphite, oil or grease in the cylinder.Regular maintenance ensures that your lock works smoothly and without problems all year round.
READ ALSO: Does your door need a lock replacement?
Tip no. 4 Get regular service inspections done at the housing association
Another tip for the housing association. Remember to sign a service agreement for your locking system, access control, doorphone or door automationThis makes everything much easier.
We cannot ignore the fact that weather changes can cause damage, wear and tear, and create unnecessary problems for users. To catch damage early on and ensure that your installations last longer, our locksmiths recommend a service every six months. With a fixed service agreement with KEYPARTNER, you can be sure that your doors will work all year round. During a service inspection, KEYPARTNER's locksmith will check all installations, lubricate all moving parts, tighten hinges, screws, etc., and test the installation to ensure it is functioning properly. This is done precisely to catch any damage early on.
READ ALSO: Security solution service agreement
Tip no. 5 Remember the tradesman's deduction on your alarm installation
If you didn't already know, you can get a tax deduction for the installation of your alarm system. With the housing job scheme that came into effect in 2018, it is possible to get a tax deduction for craftsman services performed in the home. In other words, this means that you can get a deduction for up to 12,500 has wages for craftsman services. Including the salary of a locksmith for the installation of an alarm system. This means that burglary protection no longer has to be a costly affair for you or you have to go out and play do-it-yourself. With a professional installation, you are ensured that your home is burglar-proof and that your home's interior design has been taken into account.
Tip no. 6 Get window locks installed
We continue to focus on burglary prevention. The fact is that many windows in Danish households are not adequately secured. As many as 50% of all burglaries are committed through windows. That is why our locksmith's seventh tip is that you should have window locks installed on your windows. In general, window locks, reinforced hasps, burglar alarms, and mechanical locks help to better secure your home and deter burglars.
READ ALSO: Window locks
Tip No. 7 Become a member of Neighborhood Help
Another quick and easy way to create safety and security in your home is to become a member of neighborly assistanceGood neighborliness should definitely not be underestimated. Analyses show that neighborly assistance has a positive effect on crime in a neighborhood. According to Neighbourhood Watch itself, good neighbourliness can prevent one in five burglaries. It is therefore a cheap and effective way to secure your home. You can quickly sign up at Nabohjælp.dk.
READ ALSO: Burglary protection for your home
Tip No. 8 Get help from the locksmith
If you have any questions regarding locking systems, door phones, access control, automatic doors, or burglary protection, you are always welcome to ask the experts—completely free of charge. Our locksmiths are always ready to advise and guide you in this regard if you need or are interested in one of the above installations. If you are unsure about which lock you should have installed in your home or business, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
READ ALSO: Do you need a locksmith for business?
We hope our 8 tips can help you optimize your security in your home or housing association. As mentioned, KEYPARTNER is always available to provide guidance for your next lock or security project.
Many companies, institutions and housing associations have a lot of passenger traffic through the doors of the building every day. To ensure smooth passenger traffic, automatic doors can be an ideal solution, but before your housing association or company has automatic doors installed, you should consider a number of things. We have collected our security experts' 3 best recommendations, read on here.
What is door automation?
First and foremost – What exactly is automatic door control?Door automation or door control includes both door closers and door pumps, which open and close doors. Door control is available in both mechanical and electronic versions. The mechanical door pump ensures that the door closes mechanically and is therefore ideal for interior and exterior doors that you do not want to be open all the time. The electronic door automation system opens and closes the doors. In this post, we will primarily go through what you need to be aware of if you have electronic door automation installed.
What you need to be aware of when installing an automatic door or gate
1. Residents and users
When installing automatic doors, it is essential to consider the users and their diverse needs. This imposes certain requirements on safety and automation.
There will be a significant difference between who uses automatic doors in a housing association and in an office environment. In a housing association, residents of all ages and with special needs must be taken into account. Older people may need extra time to get through the door without the risk of being hit by it. Children, on the other hand, do not always think about danger zones. It is therefore important to accommodate all users with special needs.
2. Safety and danger zones
With an automatic door, there are a number of danger zones you need to be aware of in your housing association or company. The swing area, the area behind the door, and the area between the door frame and the door leaf can be particularly dangerous for users.
In the door's swing area, people or objects can be hit by the door. Therefore, it must be ensured that the door stops before a collision. In addition, it is important to ensure that the door does not close too quickly and not before people have passed through completely. In such cases, the door must stop and possibly reopen.
Behind the door, there may be a risk of being crushed, as objects or people can get caught between the door and the wall. It is therefore important that the door stops before the person or object is hit.
In addition, there is a risk of fingers and hands getting caught between the door frame and the door leaf when the door opens or closes. It is important that the automatic door stops if we insert our hand between the door and the door frame.
The installation of safety sensors ensures that the door does not hit residents or objects. However, this requires that the sensors are set correctly and communicate with the machine that controls the opening and closing.
3. Statutory safety standards & maintenance
In 2013, EU standard DS/EN 16005 came into force. It covers all new automatic door systems and stipulates that automatic doors may only be put into operation if they comply with DS/EN 16005. The DS/EN 16005 standard requires an annual inspection to ensure that safety is always maintained.
Once the installation of door pumps is complete, it is therefore important to consider servicing and how to maintain the installation. To ensure safety at all times, it is recommended that the door automation system be checked every 6 months, as the door changes with temperature and humidity. Door automation should be adjusted regularly to ensure comfortable closing. This prevents wear on doors and fittings. It is therefore important that service intervals are observed to ensure the longest possible service life.
If the door pump, closer, or automation is located outdoors, it is recommended that all moving metal parts be lubricated. Aluminum and plastic parts should not be lubricated. In addition to a lubricated door pump/door closer, it is important that the door runs smoothly and that the hinges and lock case are lubricated, as otherwise the door pump/closer will not be able to close the door properly.
In addition, screws may become loose over time or need to be replaced. Any loose screws must then be retightened.
Regular service visits ensure that the door pump, closer, or automatic system functions smoothly and safely for users throughout the year.
Do you need automatic doors in your company or housing association?
KEYPARTNER installs and assembles automatic doors in both businesses and housing associations. This applies to both electronic automatic doors and standard mechanical door pumps. Our installations comply with all standards and are CE marked.
We guarantee you the best guidance and solution for your new automatic door. We carry out all types of installations and have extensive experience with special solutions that take into account the needs of all users.
We are also happy to meet with you, whether at board meetings, general meetings, or in another context.
Let KEYPARTNER take care of the maintenance of the door automation and maintain the safety of users
Doors are exposed to wind and weather all year round, which causes the materials to behave differently. To ensure that the doors function optimally, they should be inspected every six months. Ideally in July and December.
There are several good reasons to maintain and repair the building's exterior doors. Door automation systems will last for several years if they are regularly maintained. A well-maintained exterior door is also important for the appearance of the building. It is one of the first things that customers, family, and others see when they arrive. If door automation systems are not maintained, in the worst case, consequential damage may occur, which can be expensive to repair.
In addition to ensuring that the door automation sensors are set correctly during a service inspection, KEYPARTNER's technicians map out future repairs to prevent minor damage from developing and becoming more expensive and much larger repairs.
At the same time, KEYPARTNER's technicians check all screws and fittings and replace any that are necessary. During the service visit, KEYPARTNER also ensures that all relevant parts are lubricated.
Did you know that 50% of all burglaries are committed through windows? It only takes a thief one minute to break a window and no more than five to ten minutes to clear out a house. This article from KEYPARTNER discusses how you can best secure your windows against burglary.
READ ALSO: Did you know that 50% of all burglaries occur through windows?
Christmas is a time for the heart, but unfortunately also a time for burglars. Many homes are left empty when the family goes on holiday, making them a haven for burglars. Which makes the sweet Christmas season a peak season for burglars. If you are going to celebrate Christmas outside, you should immediately start securing your home. To help you get started, KEYPARTNER's security experts have compiled their 7 best tips so that you can get through Christmas safely.
Don't let the burglar ruin your Christmas fun
While the family is gathered around Christmas dinner, the Christmas tree, and treats during the Christmas holidays, burglars take advantage of the fact that homes are often empty during this time of year.
According to the National Police, 912 burglaries in private homes were reported between December 23 and 31 last year. This corresponds to 101 burglaries per day. Throughout 2018, a total of 28,675 burglaries were reported, corresponding to 78.5 burglaries per day. During the Christmas holidays, there are 22.5 additional burglaries per day.
READ ALSO: Burglary protection for your home – keep thieves away with anti-theft devices
Securing before it's too late
Many Danes secure their homes too late – after there has been a burglary. Avoid securing your home too late, so you end up becoming part of the boring statistics. You should therefore start securing your home against long-fingered intruders now.
The locksmith's 7 best tips against burglary
Locksmiths can do much more than just remove old locks and install new ones. At KEYPARTNER, we are not only lock experts, but also professional security installers. That is why our security experts have compiled their 7 best tips for securing your home and keeping the peace this Christmas.
1. Two insurance-approved locks per door
With strong and secure locks on your doors, you reduce the risk of uninvited guests in your home. Optimal door security has two approved locks. Examine your doors and find out where new or additional locks are needed. It is recommended to change the lock if it is more than 10 years old. If you are in doubt about which locks to choose to ensure they are insurance approved, you can always contact a locksmith for guidance. You can choose to have a locksmith install the locks, or you can tackle a “do it yourself” project. However, it is important to have the locks installed correctly so as not to compromise on security.
2. Get window locks installed
Did you know that 50% of all burglaries are committed through the window? That's why it's often not enough to just close the window to keep the thief out. KEYPARTNER recommends installing window locks on your windows to make the thief's job just a little more difficult. Examine your windows and consider whether it would be smart to install a lock on them. You can choose to have window locks installed by a professional locksmith or do it yourself. ABUS window locks and hasps are a popular choice, as the lock has a discreet design and is generally easy to use.
3. Install exterior safety rails on outward-opening doors
In addition to the front door, it is important not to forget other doors in the home, such as a patio door. The thief will quickly find the entrance to the house that is least secured. If the patio door is not secured, it is an obvious entrance for the thief. To prevent the thief from getting a crowbar between the door and the frame, KEYPARTNER recommends that you install a security rail on the patio door.
4. Home burglar alarm
Alarms have previously been shown to have a deterrent effect on burglars. An alarm sticker in the window can discourage burglars, sometimes before they have even broken in. Although alarms are not a guarantee against burglary, they do have a preventive effect. Burglar alarms put the thief under time pressure because they create noise and attention. In this way, they help to minimize the damage caused by a burglary.
5. Become a member of Neighborhood Help
Neighborhood watch programs have a positive impact on crime in a neighborhood. They are therefore an inexpensive and effective way to secure your home. You can quickly and easily become a member by going to www.nabohjælp.dk, create a profile, and follow the instructions. You will then be sent stickers that you can put on your front door.
Good neighborliness should not be underestimated as an effective tool for burglary prevention. According to Nabohjælp, good neighborliness can prevent one in five burglaries. And as an added bonus, residents experience greater security. If nothing else, you can simply ask your neighbors if they would keep an eye on your home while you are away. This can make it more difficult for thieves to assess whether the house is empty or not.
6. Lock the garage and shed
Garages are often poorly secured against intruders, and contain a treasure trove of tools that burglars can use. Therefore, a good and simple tip is to put a lock on both the shed and the garage before you go on vacation and leave the thief's favorite weapons - the crowbar and screwdriver - free to use. Therefore, make sure that your garage or shed is locked with a solid lock or padlock.
7. Outdoor lighting
Burglars want peace and quiet to do their work. That is why burglars are typically attracted to quiet, dark houses where they can work undisturbed. Lighting at the front door has a preventive effect against burglary. Burglars prefer to be able to stand and pry open the door in the dark. Outdoor lighting also makes it difficult for the thief to hide, and neighbors can more easily see that something is happening.
For a few bucks, you can install outdoor lighting that turns on at specific times or via motion sensors. But don't leave the outdoor lighting on by itself. It's obvious that the house is empty when it's completely dark inside.
Learn how the thief thinks
KEYPARTNER offers a free security check of your home carried out by a professional security installer. Our installer will visit your home and assess the risks. This will give you a better understanding of how thieves think and what you can do to secure your home.
Optimal burglary protection is tailored to your home, so it is preventive, creates a sense of security, and is a good investment. Contact KEYPARTNER to learn more.
Burglary protection by professional security installers
If you want to avoid becoming part of the sad Christmas burglary statistics, now is the time to start securing your home against thieves.
KEYPARTNER's installers are happy to help you install security solutions tailored to your home. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need to secure your home.
In addition, we are happy to share our experience and knowledge. If you have any questions about burglar-proof solutions, KEYPARTNER is ready for a no-obligation chat.
Everything you need to know about burglary protection
How do thieves get in?
20% through broken windows, 10% through broken windows, 15% through patio doors, 7% through the front door, 6% through the basement door
When do most burglaries occur?
Holidays such as Christmas and New Year are peak season for burglars, as many homes are empty for a long time.
What can you do to prevent burglary?
1. Two insurance-approved locks per door 2. Have window locks installed 3. Install exterior security rails on exterior doors 4. Burglar alarm in the home 5. Become a member of neighborhood help 6. Lock the garage and shed 7. Outdoor lighting
What are the requirements for burglary protection insurance?
Special measures may be required. KEYPARTNER has all the requirements for locks, burglar alarms, etc. under control.
For many years, the number of burglaries in Denmark has been high. The statistics speak for themselves: among its neighbors England/Wales, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden, Denmark has the highest burglary rate. Denmark is therefore not the country with the most burglaries. in total, but the country with the most burglaries per capitaIn other words, it is us Danes who are most at risk of receiving visits from these uninvited guests.
