OUR own home had first break in attempt this week

WOW, we just experienced our first break in attempt after 40 years of marriage.

It happened on Thanksgiving weekend at 3:30 AM Sunday morning while we were asleep. Yes, we were home and it was scary as hell!

We always set our alarm when we go to sleep but we forgot that night. When we opened the door in the morning to get the newspaper we saw they ripped off the handle, turned off the bulb on the front porch door, tried to pry the door, pick the lock, etc.
I swear, this is not an advertisement for Medeco or any other high security lock but we know that is what prevented a successful break in.
We lived what we preach to our clients: our alarm is our SECOND line of defense, our physical security the first line. The goal is to keep the bad guys out, not defend our life or property once they are in.

Educating you is one thing, experiencing it confirms our passion for Medeco triple fold!

Real Security vs, "Feel good Security" False assumptions

This topic covers a wide range of information , too much for one blog, so it will be covered in small bites in several blogs.

Because false assumptions result in the most break-ins this our first topic.

When discussing the importance of good physical security, i.e. strong locks, high security locks, etc., we often hear the following false assumptions:

1. We have an alarm
2. We have a large dog
3. We have a gun
4. We have neighborhood watch
5. I live on the upper stories of my building
6. We have a guard gated community

These are just a few and you may have answers to add to these. These are examples of "feel good" security, not "real" security.

The goal of security is the keep the bad guys from getting in from the outset not dealing with them once they are already in, which the first three assumptions do not accomplish. Nor do they keep you safe if you are at home!
Achieving good security requires different layers of defense,no different than the military that fights a war. In simple terms, your first line of defense is your Physical security, your second line of defense is your alarm, dog, etc.
We believe in the attributes of an alarm , we have them ourselves, we just don't want it to go off because we made it easy for the bad guys to get in and set it off.

Upcoming blogs will cover:

Strategies for good physical security
What is the difference between a common lock and a High security lock?
Simple and inexpensive ways to beef up your security
Securing your door, not just a lock
Why the locks at big box stores are not what you think, even when you see the same model number.
Pros and Cons of Master keying common locks
Are all keys created equal? Why your duplicates don't work.
A working key does not mean it is a "good" key, why?
Key cutters are not the same as locksmith

REMEMBER THIS IS YOUR FORUM FOR QUESTIONS AND YOUR TOPICS ARE WELCOME!

STAY SAFE,

JACK & VIKKI FLAM

Ethics can be lonely road

Yesterday we got a call from a consumer telling us they bought a home and needed 4 new locks. When we asked him why he thought he needed new ones he said it was because he didn't want the old owners keys to work.

We explained that unless he wanted to upgrade to high security locks he only needed to re-key the old locks, not replace them.

He was elated on two counts:

1. Flam's was the only company that told him the truth, the first 2 companies he

called quoted him on new locks and were ready to do the job

2. The cost of re-keying was a fraction of the cost of new locks

Our ethics were about to pay off until he asked how much our service call was and when we told him $75.00 he said we were too expensive compared to the first 2 companies he called.

We just saved him from being ripped off for probably hundreds of dollars by unethical locksmiths and didn't get the work. Now he was taking our knowledge and shopping for the cheapest re-keys.

Please consider the bottom line on your bill, not the 'service call' line.

There will always be someone with a cheaper service call but fewer with integrity.

These are the times when we shake our heads and wonder what the consumer will be left with if companies like Flam's are not around to protect them in the future.

These are also the times when we remember that we can sleep at night, along with the majority of our clients.

Locksmith Credentials- Security tip

Your first step in protecting yourself is to know what credentials are required and ask the locksmith to fax or email copies.
A properly licensed locksmith should be happy you are asking since the majority of companies are not compliant. We also know from experience that many locksmiths will also lie and tell you they are licensed

Did you know that in California a State Contractors license is required for locksmith's to do business over $400.00?

Ask for their license number and than check the number with the California Contractors Board to be sure it is current and in their name.
If they do not have a State Contractors license you can assume they are either working illegally or they do not have many residential or commercial clients that require larger jobs with more experience and knowledge.

Also required of all locksmiths is the Consumer affairs license issued by the Dept. of Investigative services. Any locksmith who comes to your business or home should be asked to show it to you.If they can't then send them away!

All of the above licenses are on Flam's web site on the credential page.

Remember, being properly licensed is not a guarantee of quality work or ethics but it is the first step in eliminating who you choose.

Tip #1:Locksmith Scams

Complaints about locksmiths have increased by 77% since 2007 and the articles about scams are abundant to back it up.

Who are you handing your keys to and who are you letting hand you your new keys?

When you call a locksmith is your first question "how much do you charge?" OR "who are you?"

It's your life and property-do you know what credentials are required? Do you take their word for it or ask them to fax you a copy? Are they a mobile service, here today and gone tomorrow?
Do you think all locksmiths are equal?

Think about it, you wouldn't be calling in the first place if you didn't have a security concern, right? Then it makes sense that your first step in protection is the "who" not the "how much"!

Key Bumping Is Going Crazy!

In a recent article, and as we were featured on FOX News, there is a big phenomenon called key bumping and you should be safe.

There are also interesting articles on Wall Street Journal and CNN.

If you have any questions, be sure to email us and we'll try to answer your question.