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.