First of all, we all at the prestigious Alcatraz Locksmith would love to welcome you to the New Year. 2019 promises to be a year filled with love, achievements, positive vibes, good health, and security for you and yours. In the spirit of ensuring your security, it’s a great time to reflect on situations when you need to change your locks. Whether you’ve moved to a new home, lost your keys, or experienced a break-in, it’s crucial to maintain your lock systems to keep your home and loved ones safe. Here’s to a secure and prosperous year ahead!
Happy New Year, dear reader. As we begin with a fresh start, let’s extend that freshness to our locks, shall we? We want to talk to you about why you need to change your locks, and discuss situations when you need to change your locks to ensure your home or business stays secure.
There are many situations when using the same old locks will be pure folly. If you’re at a loss on whether to change your locks or not, you’re at the right place. We will tell you, from our security experience, about situations when you need to change your locks, especially in 5 vital scenarios where it is essential to avoid problems later.
Here they are:
1. Your property was burgled
If your home has been broken into before, it’s most likely because your locks and the security at your home were not as effective as you thought. A recent break-in will leave your locks damaged and useless. You’ll only be begging for a repeat burglary if you keep using the locks and refuse to replace them. In situations when you need to change your locks, if the locks were not damaged and there was no forced entry—either because it was an easy lock-picking or a case of dropped or misplaced keys—you’ll still need to change them. Whatever the case may be, as long as your home was broken into, you will need to replace your keys.
2. A tenant/housemate just moved out
Maybe a family member, a friend, an ex, or an acquaintance who shared your home with you has moved out. In situations when you need to change your locks, it is in your best interest to replace them as soon as possible. Yes, it’s easy and cheaper to just get your keys from them, but it’s much safer to change the locks. Who knows, they may have made a duplicate without your knowledge.
3. When the locks are getting old
With the advancement in age comes wear and tear and the drop in quality of your locks. This makes your home an easy target for burglars and thieves. There are certain situations when you need to change your locks, such as when they begin to feel stiff or when the quality deteriorates over time. It can be particularly frustrating if you find yourself unable to access your home, even with your keys right in your hands. Don’t wait for a stressful moment—having your locks changed when you notice these signs will save you from potential security issues.
4. It’s a house you’re just moving into
Even if you’ve been handed the keys to your new house, there’s no guarantee duplicates have not been made, duplicates you’re not receiving. In situations when you need to change your locks, the safest thing to do is replace them, preferably on the day you move in, to ensure your home security.
5. When the lock is damaged
It doesn’t matter if you, a family member, or a friend made a mistake and the lock sustained some damage; situations when you need to change your locks are crucial for your security. Replace it as soon as possible. Locks work best for you if they’re in their peak condition. Should you need your locks replaced, call Alcatraz Locksmith. We are experts in every solution pertaining to locks and locksmithing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common situations when you need to change your locks?
Changing your locks is essential in several situations to ensure your home or business remains secure. Common situations include after a break-in, when a tenant or housemate moves out, when locks are old or damaged, or when you’re moving into a new home.
Why should I change my locks after a break-in?
A break-in is a clear sign that your current lock system may not be secure. Even if the locks weren’t damaged, burglars may have used tools like lock picks or duplicates of your keys. In these situations when you need to change your locks, it’s essential to prevent future break-ins by replacing the compromised locks.
When I move into a new house, should I change the locks?
Yes! One of the top situations when you need to change your locks is when you move into a new home. There’s no guarantee that previous owners or tenants haven’t made copies of the keys, so replacing the locks ensures your security.
Is it necessary to change locks if a tenant or housemate moves out?
Absolutely. Whenever a tenant or housemate leaves, it’s important to change your locks. Even if you trust them, there’s always a chance they made a copy of the key. To safeguard your home or business, it’s better to change the locks as soon as possible.
How do I know when my locks are too old and need replacing?
If your locks are getting stiff, difficult to turn, or show visible signs of wear, these are indicators that it’s time to change them. These are classic situations when you need to change your locks, as aging locks can become unreliable and easy to tamper with.