Whether you’re are a first-time buyer, or you have moved home several times before the experience stays much the same for everyone, a lot of excitement and a lot of stress! With all these emotions and the million things to get organised it’s no surprise that most people overlook the one of the most important home security measures, changing the external door locks. This may not seem like it should be at the top of your list of the many other things you have to do however it is vital. This is because you can never be sure of how many keys from previous owners are still in circulation and what the intentions of people with a key to your property would be!

Home Office Statistics

• Being burgled within the first twelve month of moving into a new property are almost doubled when you compare it to the average burglary rate – 4.6% compared to 2.5%
• When you compare the statistics to people that have occupied their property ten years or more the it shows that you are almost three times as likely to get burgled – 4.6% compared to 1.6%
• Homeowners that take no steps to improve their security measures are a shocking ten times more likely to get burgled than those that implement the simplest of security measures such as changing window and door locks. – 22.5 compared to 2.5%

Who Has A Key To Your Home?

Statistics show that every year in the UK around 37,500 properties will change hands and the scary fact is most homeowners are completely oblivious to the fact that there is often at least one set of keys to there new home still in circulation. A survey conducted by NOP revealed that over 58% of British homeowners give out a spare key to their property to a relative or friend.

In a separate survey conducted by Halifax Home Insurance showed that twelve million adults have lost the keys to their property up to six times in the last ten years and not bothered to have the locks changed.

If when you move into your new property or lose a set of keys you don’t have the locks changed then you are leaving your home vulnerable as you can never be sure who may have a copy of your keys. Something else that is worth considering is the fact that if you do fall victim to a break in some insurers will not process a claim if the locks were never changed when you first moved into the property, as in their eyes you haven’t taken the necessary steps to ensure that you home is secure.

By having the locks changed and even upgrading them to more secure locks you can be safe in the knowledge that your home is as secure as it can be and you know exactly who has a copy of the keys to your new home.

If you have recently moved home or just need your locks changing or upgrading then contact Access Locksmith Solutions Ltd today – 01405 881646