The Locksmith Journal Sep-Oct 2013 - Issue 28 | Page 17

INDUSTRYNEWS SPONSORED BY ALDRIDGE SECURITY BRITONS STILL LEAVE A SPARE KEY ‘HIDDEN’ OUTSIDE THEIR PROPERTY More than 20% of people in Britain are keeping up the old tradition of leaving a spare key hidden outdoors, a new survey by Keytek™ Locksmiths has revealed. The survey asked people across the UK where they keep a spare key, and the results showed that - despite years of police and government advice warning against it - many people are still leaving their keys in easily-discovered hiding places. Of those interviewed, two percent said they kept a key under a plant pot, six percent under a mat,seven percent elsewhere in the garden, and six percent in the garage or shed. These figures will come as a surprise to many, as having a key in any one of these places is almost certain to invalidate your home insurance, should an intruder find it and use it to gain entry. This is something that the majority of home insurers advertently advise against. The AA insurance website warns homeowners “Don’t hide a spare key outside as burglars know where to look.” (http://www.theaa.com/insurance/ home-insurance-security-tips.html). CAN YOU REALLY TRUST YOUR NEIGHBOUR? As well as a significant proportion of people with keys hidden in the garden, the survey also showed that 44 percent of people actually keep a spare key with a neighbour, which offers an interesting new angle on the debate about how familiar modern Britons are with their neighbours. Eddie Wilkinson, Operations Director at Keytek™, said: “Although Britons on the whole are more security-conscious than they used to be, these results show that many people are still taking big risks with the safety of their homes, by leaving keys in obvious hiding places that experienced burglars will be well aware of.” He continued: “For a relatively small cost you can have a Key Safe fitted to the outside of your home by an experienced locksmith, and this secure box can store your spare set of keys safely without you having to rely on a neighbour or family member to look after them.” www.keytek.co.uk Diary Date www.intolocks.co.uk ALEX 2013 The Auto Locksmiths EXPO 2013 (ALEX) is this year’s show for auto locksmiths, organised by the same team that brings you the successful Locksmiths Exhibition at the same venue every March. AUTO LOCKSMITHS’ EXPO will take place this year on Saturday 26 October and Sunday 27 October 2013 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RJ. www.alex.lockexpo.co.uk Single, Double and Thumbturn Cylinders Snap-Safe, 5-Pin, Anti-Drill, Anti-Pick. Brass or Nickel Plated. 60, 70 or 80mm. 1+ £7.50 • 10+ £6.50 • 30+ £5.50 • 60+ £4.50+VAT Use voucher code 5 Star Service "LOCK2013M" Receive www.advanced-keys.co.uk 10% discount Plus FREE delivery Cable Window Restrictor In white, brown or caramel. Only £6.50+VAT • UNBEATABLE PRICE Simply use this code on intolocks.co.uk Tel: 01942 889073 • Email: [email protected] www.intolocks.co.uk To read more, visit www.locksmithjournal.co.uk THE SEP/OCT 2013 ISSUE SPONSORED BY ADVANCED KEYS 17