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Interview with a Locksmith Greenwich
To celebrate Home Security Month we’ve been quizzing our locksmith’s members on their top tips for home security, the ups and downs of their job and the weirdest situations locksmithing has gotten them into.
Our latest interview is with Bill McFadyen of Lockmaster1 in Greenwich. After trying everything from cabinet-making to carpentry Bill stumbled across the Master Locksmith Association and discovered locksmithing was where he wanted to focus his attention.
Here, Bill tells all about the security mistakes homeowners make all too often, and the best and worst parts of his job.
1. What’s the biggest security mistake you find homeowners make?
Those with a composite or UPVC door tend to close the door and think that it’s completely locked, what they don’t understand is that the correct way is to lift the handle up fully and turn the key.
2. Are there any other common mistakes?
Neglecting home security measures on sheds and outbuildings, leaving ladders unchained (allowing burglars to use them as access to the upper floors of the building), not having locking security measures on the first floor bedroom windows, installing cheap locks and leaving the security alarm unarmed just in case it goes off while on holiday thus annoying the neighbours.
3. What do burglars look out for?
Unanswered mail gives burglars a heads up that you’re on holiday – letting everybody know on social media while they are on holiday is even worse! Leaving keys under the porch carpet or in a pot are obvious places for a burglar to look and leaving valuables on display.
4. Why did you choose to become a locksmith?
In the past, I have been a carpenter, cabinetmaker and a bit of a MacGyver. I’ve always liked playing about and picking as a hobby, but about 10 years ago I was a contracts manager in a window manufacturing company and I was made redundant so I decided to give locksmithing a go.
When I got involved with the Master Locksmiths Association I discovered that this is an industry that I find fascinating. I wouldn’t say it was easy at the beginning – there are quite a few three to five-day courses out there where they say you can become a locksmith instantly – believe me this is not the case.
5. What are the best and worst parts of the job?
The best part of the job is the fact that it’s never the same from one day to the next. You are always meeting different people from all walks of life. One day you could be working in a mansion the next day you can be working in public toilets, you just never know.
Also, where else could you get paid to do your hobby? As I have improved over the years I’ve been able to help other locksmiths enhance their skills which is another highlight. The only negative part of the job would be the unsociable hours and the fact that you are never off duty even when you’re on holiday.
6. What would your one top tip for Home Security Month be?
Go outside your house and question how you would enter your premises if you were locked out. It is surprising the number of surveys I do with homeowners where I ask them to do the same things and they realise themselves where their security is really lacking.
READ MORE LOCKSMITH INTERVIEWS: for more Interviews with MLA approved Locksmiths, please see our every interview with a locksmith so far page
Lockmaster1 Ltd Working during COVID-19
Lockmaster1 Ltd qualified Master Locksmiths are still working with emergency locksmiths open for essential work such as locks outs, lock-ins, lock repairs. During the lockdown locksmith shops will be closed or allowing one customer in the shop at a time.
As qualified member of the UK’s largest trade association for locksmiths our customers are kept up to date with developments in relation to COVID-19 as well as ways of working including isolation, social distancing and hygiene.
The number one priority is the health & safety of both locksmiths and the customer, our locksmiths understand the importance in reducing the spread of Coronavirus.
We would advise customers and Locksmiths alike the following.
Hiring a lockmaster1 ltd Locksmith during COVID-19
Locksmith services
Locksmiths are available and here to help.
If you are self-isolating
Do let your Locksmith know if you are self-isolating, locksmiths work with vulnerable individuals and emergency services on a daily basis and must ensure the safety of all customers.
Follow the Governments advice on protecting yourself and the locksmith.
Social Distancing
As we are all aware social distancing measures are in place, our locksmith will not be offended if the normal close proximity and chatty conversations are not happening.
Open 24hrs
Lockmaster 1 Ltd, 28 Zangwill Road, Blackheath, London SE3 8EU.
Click Here For Directions
Click Here For Directions
Out Of Hours: 02088 560874
MLA APPROVED LOCKSMITH
Locksmith approved by Master Locksmiths Association
LICENSE No: 003657
Lockmaster1 are DBS Checked Locksmiths in Blackheath, SE3 in South East London approved by UKs largest locksmith association. Our locksmiths offer a 24-Hour Emergency Locksmith service in Blackheath, Greenwich and other areas of South East London.
Need a Emergency Locksmith in South East London?:
Mobile: 07908 959198 TAP TO CALL
- Lost Keys? Locked out?
- Locked out of your house or home?
- Moved into a new home?
- We specialise in changing locks with non-destructive opening.
Blackheath & Greenwich Locksmith
If you are locked out, lost your keys or need your locks changing Lockmaster1 can help with the following:
- 24 Hour Emergency Locksmith
- No Call Out Charge
- Mobile Locksmith Service
- Key Cutting on Site
- Locks supplied and fitted to British Standards (BS3621)
- Changing Locks to British Standards
- uPVC Door and Windows Locks repaired and fitted
- uPVC Patio Doors Repaired
- Alarms and CCTV systems supplied and installed
- Digital Locks
- Access Control Systems supplied and installed
- Restricted keys and master suites
- Bespoke Master Key Systems
- Burglary Repairs
- Bailiffs Locksmith Services
- Security Grilles, Gates
- Window Bars and Shutters
- Steel Security Doors
- Car Key Cutting
- CCTV Installation
- Safe Engineer – Safes Supplied and Fitted
- Work Guaranteed
- Friendly Advice
- Disabled Services
- Covering all South-East Kent London areas
Locks – Supplied/Fitted & Repaired in Greenwich
- All Locks Supplied and Fitted
- Door Locks
- Window Locks
- Master Keys and Locks
- Insurance Standard Locks
- Lock Opening
- Period Lock Keys
- Digital Locks
- Latches
- Mortice Deadlocks
- High Security Locks
- uPVC Window Locks
- Window handles and mechanisms
- Escape Locks
- Master Key Systems
- All from leading brands including Yale, Union, ERA, Chubb.
Key Cutting in Blackheath & Greenwich (All Keys Cut)
- All types of keys cut on site
- Cabinet Keys
- Door Keys
- Safe Keys
Safe Opening in Blackheath/Greenwich
- Fire Resistant Safes
- Insurance Rated Safes
- Jewellery Safes
- Laptop Safes
- Gun Cabinets
- Deposit Safes
- Data Safes
- Drug Cabinets
- Key Cabinets
- Safes with Standard Lock, Traditional Lock, Electronic Lock mechanisms.
- Safes with 30 minute to 60-minute fire protection
- Floorboard Safes
Access Control Installed
- Mechanical Access Control
- Push Button Mechanical Locks
- Card Swipe and Proximity Readers
- Card and Key Fob Readers
- Wireless Remote Access Control
- Battery Operated Access
Security Gates & Grilles Fitted
- Bar Gates – Secure area protection with gates
- Bar Grilles – Window and Door Grille Protection
- Steel Sheets – Fitted externally to doors for increased strength
- Roller Shutters
We offer a made to measure service. Designed to deter criminals, gates and grilles can be fitted to almost any door or window. Steel sheets can be fitted externally on vulnerable doors.
Burglar Alarms Installed
- Remote Control Alarms
- Safety Alarms
- Choice of Alarm Monitoring
- Alarm Maintenance
- High Power Alarms
Areas We Cover
- South East London
- Greenwich
- Thamesmead
- Abbey wood
- Bexley
- North London
- Hackney
- Stratford
- Canning town
- West Han
- Stepney
- Canary Wharf
- Essex
- Ilford
- Rainham
- Thurrock
- Dagenham
- Kent
- Dartford
- Lakeside
- Gravesend
Accreditations
CPD Approved
Merry christmas form lockmaster1 Ltd
Christmas is fast approaching and Bill from Lockmaster1 want to wish all my friends & customers very Happy Christmas. We will be open For all the festive season. If your lockout or need new lock call Bill the locksmith from 24hr locksmith Greenwich / Blackheath From Lockmaster1 Locksmiths, have a wonderful Safe and Christmas and New Year.
tips to avoid been burgled over Christmas
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- Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key)
- Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox)
- Install a visual burglar alarm (as part of a suite of prevention measures – a burglar alarm on its own will not prevent entry to your home)
- Install good outside lighting
- Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
- Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied
- Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition
- Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage
- Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home
- Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property
- Ensure rear fencing is in good repair
- Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges
- Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows
- Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault
uPVC Doors & Composite Doors
I was reading an article which mentioned that in the past two decades, over 22 million uPVC and Composite doors have been fitted throughout the UK, but now many older Multipoint locks are reaching the end of their lifecycle.
There is a replacement multipoint lock system available which is a genuine like-for-like replacement.
If you’re interested in finding out more, Contact Bill at Lockmaster1 07908959198
HIGHEST RISK POSTCODES FOR BURGLARY IN THE UK
I was reading an article regarding burglaries in the UK. I was surprised to see that Dagenham is the largest hotspots in the UK for burglaries. While Suffolk and Folkestone are among the lowest in the country. There has been an increase burglaries in the Greenwich area especially in Blackheath & SE3 postcode. Most burglars are taking advantage of people’s lack of security knowledge. My main advice would be that you should consider what you would do if you were locked out. Think about how you would gain entry to your own home or business. That’s what the burglar does. Then think about how you could make that more difficult.
Having your home burgled is a traumatic experience
Losing your laptop, jewellery, mobile phone in a burglary is just the start. Burglars don’t care about damaging your property. They leave a trail of carnage behind by emptying out drawer’s and cupboards and if the contents are not worth stealing they don’t care whether they damage them or not. Knowing someone has been inside your home can be just as traumatic as losing your property and there is the additional fear of the possibility of them returning.
I read an article where it stated that burglary is also more common than you may think. According to figures from UK Crime Stats there are over 450,000 burglaries a year – that’s nearly one EVERY MINUTE across the UK.
To defend your home install a security system burglars are put off by and as new ideas and home security systems evolve alarm systems are becoming smarter than ever,
Defenses such as Ring.com doorbell ,fake TV’s, and door / Smart home IP cameras which can be accessed by your smart phone are highly recommended and in addition why not get a free security check from your local Master Locksmith Association member.
Most properties are empty 80% of the time.
At Lockmaster1 we can supply almost any security solution which is needed for the home or business.
HIGHEST RISK POSTCODES FOR BURGLARY IN THE UK
I was reading an article regarding burglaries in the UK. I was surprised to see that Dagenham is the largest hotspots in the UK for burglaries. While Suffolk and Folkestone are among the lowest in the country. There has been an increase burglaries in the Greenwich area especially in Blackheath & SE3 postcode. Most burglars are taking advantage of people’s lack of security knowledge. My main advice would be that you should consider what you would do if you were locked out. Think about how you would gain entry to your own home or business. That’s what the burglar does. Then think about how you could make that more difficult.
uPVC Doors & Composite Doors
I was reading an article which mentioned that in the past two decades, over 22 million uPVC and Composite doors have been fitted throughout the UK, but now many older Multipoint locks are reaching the end of their lifecycle.
There is a replacement multipoint lock system available which is a genuine like-for-like replacement.
If you’re interested in finding out more, Contact Bill at Lockmaster1 07908959198
