Reasons to Upgrade Your Door Locks
In the past year in Australia, there was a 23% decrease in unlawful entry with intent and other theft and a 17% drop in motor vehicle theft compared to 2019. These offences declined to the lowest numbers in over 25 years. They did, however, coincide with the COVID-19 lockdown. And as the country is opening up, eventually there’s going to be a spike in criminal activity as well.
We have no intention of scaring you. This is just a friendly reminder to not only carry a flashlight with you at all times but also maybe change your door locks. In spite of decreasing crime rates, there is an increase in the quality of door locks Australia has to offer, keeping you prepared for what’s to come.
What Are the Most Common Types of Locks?
Digital Locks
When it comes to the range of door locks Australia wide, electronic options are the most popular choice since they have many benefits compared to traditional mechanical locks. For starters, a physical key is not needed anymore. Also, they’re invulnerable to physical attacks, unlike some mechanical door locks.
Digital door locks are your best choice if you own a business or a commercial building and you are looking for ways to boost your security. The main advantage of keyless locks is their convenience. Firstly, you can monitor who enters or exits and as a timekeeping device for employees. Secondly, there’s no cost for replacing lost or stolen keys. Thirdly, all you have to do when you terminate an employee is to deactivate their card as access to a building or an area can be immediately turned off.
For those looking for a bit more pizzazz in addition to the protection, the Bluetooth digital lock with a fingerprint is one of the best-looking door locks on the market. Usually glass-faced, they light up when you put your hand over it, thus, allowing you to enter your pin code and unlock the lock. In addition to your fingerprint, you can use a smartphone, swipe card or open the door with a key the old-fashioned way. Its downside is its fragility compared to mechanical locks as it’s not meant to be exposed to direct sunlight or rain.
The smartphone app will allow for easy and reliable access without ever having to reach for your keys. Also, you’ll avoid awkward house lockouts. You can access a Bluetooth digital lock either with a master pin code or a temporary one supplied by the owner. Importantly, the pin code won’t require an Internet connection to function. This allows easy access for wanted visitors while making surpassing drastically more difficult for intruders.
Access to the lock can be shared by the owner through the app. This access can be set to a particular time or day. Next time you have a cleaning lady over while you’re at work. You can track your lock’s uses via the app and the activity log. Up to 300 users can be programmed into the lock, making it great for your commercial building.
Many have anti-tamper alarms– the lock will sound an alarm if someone tries to damage it. You needn’t worry about battery life as it lasts for over a year and has an alarm for when it is running low on power.
All-in-One Locks
Their name says it all as they are strong door locks that find many residential, architectural and commercial applications uses. Being one of the most common locks on the Australian market, it pairs with many products in order to provide security to any door. Premium quality locks are usually constructed using alloy or 304-grade stainless steel.
They can be used outside on front doors, side doors and on gates. For those close to the ocean considering what’s the most secure type of door lock for their property, stainless steel is the right choice as it’s resistant to weather and rust.
Deadbolt is often considered the most secure type of lock. What makes deadbolts unique is that they cannot be moved easily from the locked to unlock position. All deadbolts require some type of rotation to disengage the lock. How the lock is operated determines which type of deadbolt it is.
Mortice locks and cylinders go hand in hand. Importantly, you can find many suitable for heavy-duty use such as industrial and commercial buildings, institutions, clubs, hotels, schools and hospitals. Their latching functions are usually operated by key or handle outside and turn knob, key or handle inside. Also, they comply with building regulations for single-action escape doors.
You can find a matte black finish 70 mm long body cylinder that features a C4 keyway. Its 2 keys with each cylinder key from outside to operate the lock and a thumb from both inside and out make the lock resistant to deadlocking.
When Should You Replace Locks?
Moving into a new home, even if it’s a new construction, is always a good moment to change your locks. Even though it’s an important factor for your happiness, the design of your outdoor area and your interior should only come second to their security. Who knows who had access before you and whether they made a spare key.
Another priority is changing the locks after someone moves out, especially if it wasn’t on such good terms. You might think there’s no bad blood but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Following a break-in, reviewing the condition of your door and changing your locks is a must. After all, additional break-ins are more likely with an old and already damaged lock. It might also be a good time to increase your home’s overall security as door locks are a crucial but small part of your overall home security. A professionally monitored home security system, for example, is a highly efficient way to reduce the risk of future break-ins and will finally give you peace of mind.
Also, lost or stolen keys are always a valid reason to change your locks as you don’t know if they’ve fallen in the wrong hands.
Last but not least, take a closer look at your locks. You might be no expert but worn down locks can sometimes be spotted even with an untrained eye. Word on the street is to change your locks every 7 years but if you notice some signs like damage or corrosion, do it before that time of the decade comes.