Tips on the door cylinder

When it comes to securing a residential property, the door cylinder is of the highest priority.

Whether you are "on the safe side" with yours, can be seen from this check list. Besides, certain cylinders offer convenience which you can determine from this check list.

Can the key only be copied by presenting a security card?
No? You can never be sure who else might possibly have a duplicate. Profile cylinder locks that come with a security card may only be duplicated by the manufacturer or an authorised dealer.

Duplicate keys
Most keys for entrance doors don't come with a security card. The key can be copied by unauthorised persons. These are then practically unregistered keys, in other words other key owners (e.g.: previous tenants or flat-sharers, etc.) may still have a copy.

Solution
Change the door cylinder and use a cylinder with security card. Duplicate keys will only be made if the security card is presented to the dealer.

Never fear!

The belief that burglars will get in wherever they want is widespread. This gives rise to the feeling that people are no longer safe within their own four walls and are indeed powerless.
But in fact, police reports show that most break-ins are committed by amateurs, and these people generally do not use professional equipment to break in. The typical small thief uses unlocked doors, windows and any other opportunity to break in. Criminals like this are deterred by good technical security measures. That is the way to prevent break-ins.

What's more, one often hears statements that do not stand up to closer examination:

1.) I've got nothing worth stealing!
2.) The main thing is that everything is locked at night!
3.) Our neighbours keep an eye on the house!
4.) A break in? No problem - I'm insured!
5.) If I see a burglar, I'll get him!
6.) If it comes to the worst, I've got an alarm system!

1.) There is always something worth stealing!
If you use this argument, then you would be amazed at the things burglars take. Apart from this, the burglar doesn't know beforehand what you might have that is worth stealing. He can only judge your wealth once he is inside the house and may cause damage to things which are important to you. If the opportunity is there, the burglar will take it and break in.
The psychological consequences of having had one's private sphere invaded by a stranger should not be underestimated. Many people are burdened long after a break-in with the anxiety of not feeling safe in their own home.

2.) Daylight doesn't deter a burglar!
For a burglar, the light conditions do not decide whether the break-in is carried out or not, they are just part of the background. The important thing is that the house is empty and the burglar meets no-one. This is mostly the case during the day because most people are away at work or go to school or University.

3.) Do you know your neighbours' friends?
If the neighbours keep an eye out for each other, that is certainly a good start but it can't prevent break-ins. In most cases, the neighbours don't know all your friends and acquaintances and so a burglar is easily taken by neighbours for a visitor. Have you ever met someone on the stairs who you couldn't place? Did you speak to them and ask what business they had there? As you see, you cannot prevent anonymity and burglars know that.

4.) Does your insurance cover sentimental value?
After the break-in it often turns out that the insurance you have taken out does not cover all the items stolen, or even that there is no insurance cover in the case of break-ins. But even if your insurance makes good the damage to property, nobody can replace the value of personal objects you have grown to love, nor your memories. Neither can they provide redress for the mess left behind.

5.) Do you think he's just going to stand there?
Please don't try to tackle a burglar on your own!!! Whoever it is who has broken in is not going to freely stand still just because you shout or run after them or grab them by the arm. They will do anything to remain unidentified or escape. They will do all they can to achieve this and show no mercy nor scruples and will always be prepared to go to greater lengths than you. So think first of all of your own safety and health. Try to imprint as much as possible on your memory, call the police and rely on your description of the intruder!

6.) The break-in comes first - then the alarm goes off!
The alarm system goes off only after the break-in has been attempted or carried out. But it doesn't prevent a break-in. Only a well-designed security system consisting of mechanical security devices complemented by an alarm system prevents break-ins.