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78% Of Homeowners In Scotland Didn't Change The Locks When They Moved
20 January 2011Many homeowners have no idea who has keys to their door 3.4 million spare keys are hidden around peoples homes.
People are putting themselves at increased risk of burglary by failing to change the locks when they move home, reveals new research by Direct Line*.
Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of people did not change the locks when they moved into their current property. Millions of Britons give out keys to their home to tradespeople, neighbours and family members without keeping track of how many they have given out and whether they are stored safely. Over 70 per cent of people leave spare keys with family members and 18 per cent keep a key at a friend's house. Over one in five (22 per cent) people trust their neighbour with a key, while almost one in 20 people give out keys to tradespeople.
The research also reveals that people still make simple security mistakes, despite investing huge sums in security lights, home CCTV systems and deadlocks. These errors include clinging onto the long-held tradition of keeping a spare key accessible in their garden or even under the doormat, a trend Direct Line has dubbed 'the burglar's gift.'
Over 3.4 million people (7 per cent) leave a spare door key concealed near their home. Many of their hiding places can be easily found in a matter of seconds, with the top hiding places identified as the garden (under plant pots or paving slabs), in a garage or shed and under the doormat.
Matt Owen, spokesperson at Direct Line commented: 'Some people are giving out gold-plated invitations to burglars by failing to change the locks to their home when they move in, or by keeping a spare key in an unsecure place. It is important to keep a track of who holds keys to your property, and if they are left with friends and neighbours, that they are not clearly labelled with your address. If a burglar breaks into a home and finds keys for a nearby property clearly labelled with the address it makes their criminal pursuits even easier. We would recommend that all people moving into a new property change the locks and install a highly rated secure lock to maximise protection.'
Regional findings Less than a quarter (22 per cent) of Scots changed the locks when they moved into their home, putting themselves at the highest risk of this type of burglary. Londoners are the most security conscious, with more than half purchasing new locks and bolts to ensure no previous resident or their contacts could enter their home simply by turning a key in the lock.
Region Percentage of people that did not change the locks to their property when they moved into their home.
Scotland 78%
Northern Ireland 77%
West Midlands 73%
Wales 72%
North East 71%
East Midlands 69%
South East 63%
Yorkshire & Humber 62%
South West 58%
East 57%
North West 54%
London 48%
New Website for Crime Figures
20 January 2011www.police.uk has just launched giving an indication on crime levels in England and Wales by postcode search. The site crashed in the first few days because of the level of people accessing it.
THEFT OF COPPER ON THE INCREASE
03 November 2010Police have reported that the incidents of copper being stolen from various sites in the county has increased significantly in recent months. Copper cables used by utility companies have been targetted. Other metals with hign scrap value are being taken by opportunist thiefs.
LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS AT NIGHT
03 November 2010Police have urged people to keep all doors and windows locked at night after a terrified resident in Musselburgh was woken in the early hours of the morning by a burgular - who demanded the householder's car keys.
After a quantity of electrical goods and cash was stolen the burgular entered the householder's bedroom and demanded the car keys. The car was stolen and later abandoned in Edinburgh.
The Police are appealing for any information that can help trace those responsible.
NEW KEY MAIL ORDER SERVICE
03 November 2010Claymore is now offering a mail order service for those people who are unable to travel to the shop to get their keys cut. Keys can be posted to the retail premises in Haddington and they will be cut and posted back to customers within 24hours. All keys are posted recorded delivery and customers are advised to package keys suitably to avoid keys getting lost in the post. Payment is taken over the telephone, all major cards accepted.
Robert Lawrie, Shop Manager for Claymore is happy to provide this service to people in the County with mobility problems or who find it difficult to get into the shop during opening hours. If you would like further information on this service please call him on 01620 829550.
Shop opening times:
Mon,Tue,Wed,Fri 9am - 5pm
Thu 9am-1pm
Sat 10am-2pm
Sun CLOSED
(closed for lunch 1-1.30pm)
Special Offers
FRIDAY IS KEYCUTTING DAY
ALL MORTICE KEYS BROUGHT INTO OUR SHOP ON A FRIDAY WILL BE ELIGABLE FOR THE 3 FOR 2 OFFER.
please quote web01 to qualify for offer.
GET 2 KEYS CUT AND THE THIRD ONE IS FREE OF CHARGE.