Garage Door Locks – How They Add Additional Security

Many people aren’t aware that they can add garage door locks and use them to increase their home protection and security. Here in Virginia Beach, VA we are seeing them installed more often in area homes in every price range and neighborhood. Virginia Beach Locksmith offers this valuable service to our local customers at the best rates and with convenient same day installation. Read on to learn more about garage door locks and how they can add an extra measure of security to your Virginia Beach home!

Why Garage Door Locks?

You may be wondering; it’s a garage; what’s the big deal? Go take a peek inside your home’s garage and notice what you see. Of course every residential garage is different according to the occupant’s needs, but basically the same items can be generally found in these car parking spaces.

Start with transportation. You have at least one car and possible more parked in there. Now, add ATVs, bicycles, golf carts, motorcycle(s) and maybe even a riding lawn mower! Add up the value of these vehicles alone and you can see that we are talking about some real value.

Keep looking; what else is noticeable? You might notice hot water heaters, water conditioners, garden supplies, tables, paint, storage cabinets, shelves, lawn furniture, tools, work benches and lots more! Do you see all that value adding up? Even if you don’t; a crook can and will! Accessing a residential garage is not hard and can yield quite a treasure for someone who wants to steal or vandalize your belongings.

Burglar Heaven!

Were you aware that many homes are broken into with no one really noticing? All the crook had to do was access the garage by any number of means, and then close the door. Our Virginia Beach locksmith experts warn local homeowners and renters to be aware of this practice for their enhanced safety and protection. Think about it; the burglar accesses your garage and closes the door. Where does the garage almost always lead to? That’s right; the interior of the home itself! Since the garage door is closed, the crook can work in practical seclusion and is unseen from the street. He can take note of what’s in your garage for theft purposes or start picking the lock on your door that leads inside. And that is if you bothered to lock it! If you didn’t; guess who’s now in your home?

Don’t Panic!

This post is written to inform you; not make you panic. There are simple and affordable steps that you can take to make your garage and home less susceptible to unwanted visitors and robbers. Let’s start with the outside of your home. Clear away any clutter outside. Not only will your property look better and be less of a fire hazard but your neighbors will quit giving you the stink eye whenever they see you. Seriously though, clutter outside the home practically invites crime. Trim over-grown tree branches, hedges, garden growth and remove boards, trash piles and barbeque equipment. You don’t need to have someone hiding behind those things waiting to make their move or even watching you and your loved one’s actions! Many of our Virginia Beach, VA customers add extra lighting to this area and even motion sensor lights that turn on when someone is moving about. Not only do these extra steps add to your overall property value and appearance, but would-be burglars notice these improvements and are less likely to bother with your home.

Garage Door Locks!

Adding some locks to your garage door(s) can work wonders for your peace of mind and security. There are many lock choices and brands available so be sure to do your homework and check out the right ones for your needs and budget. If your first instinct is to go “as cheap as possible” stop and consider for a moment the value of the things we mentioned above that you are trying to protect. Try to look at adding locks to your garage door as an investment in your overall protection and not as just another expense.

Do It Yourself

Many people like to be the handyman around the house and if your time and ambitions allow this, you might consider adding your garage door locks yourself. Before you start, do a quick check and make sure that your rollers, tracks, hinges and the garage door itself are clean and working properly. Some lock types to consider include:

T-Handled Lock – this garage door lock is all metal and is used with an interior swivel lock handle. You can also use this lock on mobile home doors and recreational vehicles.

Deadbolt Lock and Key Cylinder – if your garage door has a locking hub; this may be the lock for you. Its key cylinder has a locking tumbler piece and all parts including the plates, fasteners and mounting hardware are made of sturdy metal.

Deadbolt V7651 Lock – this lock is highly resistant to burglars because its 2 inch lock cylinder is installed on the exterior while the actual lock body is installed on the inside and it has a locking bar that is almost 4 inches long.

There are many other styles and designs of garage door locks so it’s best to do some research online or in home improvement stores and see what is best for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to check reviews and comments. Keep in mind that people tend to not comment on forums and reviews when happy. It’s when they are not pleased with the hardware or the brand that you really hear about it. The smart way to get all of your garage door lock questions answered is to simply call an experienced and fully certified residential locksmith shop like ours. Virginia Beach Locksmith offers a huge line of garage door locks to fit any size or material of garage door. Rates are affordable and we even offer free consultations! What a great way to get all of your questions answered and any concerns you have addressed!

Aricle source here: Garage Door Locks – How They Add Additional Security

WHY YOU NEED A SAFE FOR YOUR HOME

Safes are great for banks, businesses, and millionaires ~ but why should regular people like us keep a safe at home? If you live in a quiet neighborhood, you may think a safe is necessary. If you live in a dicey area, you may wonder which safe will be the most effective. If you’re in doubt about the benefits of having a safe at home at all, you may be wondering what in the world you would put in it. Actually, there are a good number of reasons to own a safe, and some of them might not have occurred to you.

Better Safe than Sorry!

If you own any objects of exceptional value ~ an irreplaceable heirloom, rare coins, collectibles, or even important documents ~ why take the unnecessary risk of losing or misplacing them? Here are some critical points for you to consider:

You’ll always know where your stuff is. If you often misplace things, even items that are important to you, then it’s time to store them in a safe, so you’ll never lose them again.

Protect your family photographs. You can keep digital copies of all your family photos in your home safe on a computer disk or thumbdrive, and also preserve any older family photos. These photographic memories are irreplaceable.

Restore your computer. Every computer owner knows that you have to keep a backup of everything on your computer, because if you ever come across computer problems, your files can all be restored. If your computer ever suffers a hard-drive crash, you’ll be able to get back virtually everything if you can retrieve all your backup information from the safe.

Prevent theft. A safe can prevent anyone from stealing your most precious possessions. When you keep your most prized property in a home safe, you’ll have peace of mind. Do you throw parties at home? Do you often host house guests? When large groups of people are in your home, you can’t possibly keep an eye on every individual. Therefore, it’s a comfort when you know that your cherished items will stay untouched inside your safe.

Guard against floods. If any type of water emergency happens, if you have the right safe, whatever you keep inside will remain unharmed.

Protect against fire. In case of fire, a safe can guard whatever’s inside. Think about what would occur if you were to lose these crucial items to fire:

• your will
• birth certificates
• copies of driver’s licenses or other IDs
• mortgage records
• outstanding loans and other debt records
• passports
• documents regarding the properties you own
• tax records
• safe deposit box keys or any other important keys you rarely use
• investment documents
• insurance papers for filing a possible claim
• titles to all your vehicles
• emergency cash
• pharmacy and prescription medication information
• bank account information
• powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, & living wills
• retirement plans
• a list of family doctors with contact information
• funeral arrangements

A home safe is superior to a safety deposit box. You may think that a safety deposit box at the bank is better than a safe kept at home. But actually, a home safe provides several advantages.

• You’ll have 24/7 access, rather than just office hours.
• You’ll make a one-time investment, rather than pay a monthly fee.
• Your home is private; you can take items out and put items in anytime you want.
• Cash kept in a safety deposit box is not FDIC-insured.
• Upon the death of a loved one, if you are the beneficiary, you may presume you can open that person’s safe deposit box; however, banks typically seal safety deposit boxes as soon as they receive a death certificate, so you cannot open it until estate representatives provide the bank with court papers.
• At a bank, a safe deposit box’s contents are rarely insured, but your home safe’s items will typically be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

Keep your family out of harm’s way. If you own any weapons, it’s absolutely essential that you prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, especially from a child. Avoid danger and tragedy with a specialized safe, and no one but you will have access to your guns, explosives, knives, axes, or any other harmful items.

Do your research. When you do your homework as you shop for the perfect safe for your home, you should also ask these questions:

• How big does the safe need to be?
• Should the safe be visible or hidden?
• Where will the most secure location in your home be for you to put the safe?
• There are industry manufacturer guidelines that indicate the security rating for every safe. What level of security is best for your circumstances ~ as basic as a combination lock, as sophisticated as a retina scan, or something in between?
• Also take a look at the industry standards for levels of fire resistance and water resistance.
• Do you need a mere metal box or should it be substantially anchored?
• Are there any additional factors to consider for proper protection of your items ~ such as humidity, temperature, light, etc.?
• What company will you contact if there are any technical problems with the safe?
• Which individuals will you trust to know how to open the safe?
• What is your backup plan should someone not be able to find the information needed to open the safe?

Hire a reliable professional. For sure, buying a safe for your home will allow you numerous benefits. Safes come in a great number of brands, sizes, and types. If you have any questions about which safe is just right for your place of residence, if you’re located anywhere in Virginia Beach, Virginia, you may want to consult with an expert mobile safe technician on staff at Virginia Beach Locksmith.

Aricle source here: WHY YOU NEED A SAFE FOR YOUR HOME

Check Out Our Latest Video!

When you are dealing with a lock or key emergency, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Rather than taking the chance of making the situation worse, give us a calla t Virginia Beach Locksmith. We know that you would like to be able to move on with your life and that is why we offer you the most affordable and efficient emergency locksmith services possible at Virginia Beach Locksmith. Allow us the opportunity to provide you with the help that you need.

Miscellaneous Service

• 24-Hour Service
• Make Keys
• Lock & Key
• Lock Installation
• Change Locks
• Panic Bars
• Deadbolts
• Rekey Service
• Lock Change
• Magnetic Locks
• Lock Changes
• Broken Key Extraction
• Emergency Lock Out Services
• Replace Locks
• Keypads
• Keyless Remotes
• Mobile 24-Hour Locksmith Service
• Emergency Lock Out Services

Our locksmith technicians are the most efficient at what they do because of their professional training and years of industry experience. Getting the help that you need is possible when you rely on us for your service needs at Virginia Beach Locksmith. We deliver high-quality services at the most affordable prices possible.

Aricle source here: Check Out Our Latest Video!

Virginia Beach Locksmith –Ignition Cylinder Problems: What to Do

The team at Virginia Beach Locksmith is one of those businesses that is so dedicated to helping customers that they have provided a list of tips to try out when your vehicle has ignition cylinder problems. This is relevant to people in Virginia Beach, VA but also all over the place. Anyone who has a car can benefit from their knowledge, because let’s face it, whether you drive a Mazda, a Hyundai, a Honda or a Lexus, you can end up having issues come up that you just don’t know exactly how to deal with. Sometimes, the issue might entail overheating because of extreme temperatures, belt problems, A/C problems or brake problems. Other times, the concern might be something that an automotive lock and security provider would deal with. Ignition cylinder problems are generally fixable with the help of a trusted locksmith.

Have a look at some common issues that might arise with the ignition cylinder, and use this advice to help determine the best course of action. Ultimately, if you don’t have the right parts and tools, or experience, it is a wise idea to hire a lock and security professional who specializes in automotive solutions. Hiring someone licensed and insured can save you a lot of stress, and money in the long run. Of course, there are checks that you can do yourself without having any previous experience. Browse through these common problems and see if you are facing something similar.

Key Stuck in Ignition

Generally speaking, when you buy a new car, you have faith that the locks and keys are going to work. Unfortunately, things can go wrong, and one of the things that might happen is the car key becomes trapped in the ignition cylinder. This is one of the most common problems that an automotive locksmith is called for. Your vehicle will not be usable if the key is trapped in the ignition. If the key gets stuck while the car is turned on, you will be unable to turn it off or remove the key. And if it happens while the car is turned off, you will not be able to turn it on. This is why you need access to 24/7 emergency assistance, and with many locally based locksmiths, you will be able to get this service.

But before you call a lock and security professional, there are things you can try on your own. If your car happens to be turned on, take a look at the gears. Is your car in drive rather than park? If so, your issue was very simple. All you have to do is put the car in park. If your car happens to be turned off, check the position of the key. Jiggle the steering wheel gently from side to side while attempting to extract the key. Don’t pull too hard, though. Finally, make sure that you don’t have a dead battery. These are some common things that happen which cause a key to become stuck in the ignition, and the issue isn’t really that severe after all.

If you have determined that you need the help of a professional to extract your key from the ignition, make sure that your key is kept in the lock position so that you don’t drain your car’s battery while you wait for the expert to get to your location. Also, make sure that you hire someone who is licensed and insured to assist you.

Attempted Theft

Another issue that can occur with regards to the vehicle’s ignition cylinder is damage after an attempted theft. If someone tried to steal your vehicle and messed around with the ignition cylinder, it will very likely need to be replaced. They might have caused extensive damage to the switch or other components. If you know your vehicle was broken into, make sure that you have the right repairs made. You should feel safe using your car at all times, and if you do not, you should have anything that is problematic taken care of right away. It is your safety and security at stake, after all.

Jammed Wafers

The ignition cylinder could end up having jammed wafers. What exactly does this mean? This is when the wafers which match up to specific parts of your key become worn out or filled with dirt, which can cause the switch to malfunction. Individual wafer replacement might be the solution, but you might also just need a deep cleaning.

What to Expect with a Professional

If you determine that a professional is needed, then be sure to keep the following in mind. When the locksmith arrives to provide you with assistance for key extraction, ask any questions that you might have. They should tell you exactly what they need to do. They might end up needing to replace the ignition cylinder. Regardless, they should arrive with the right tools to get the job done. Make sure that you get pricing information upfront so that no hidden fees are tacked on. You should know exactly what to expect.

When ignition cylinder problems come up, those who are in Virginia Beach, Virginia should reach out to the team at Virginia Beach Locksmith. But if you reside somewhere else, just do a quick Google search to be able to view the best locksmiths in your local area. You are sure to be able to find someone who is available 24 hours a day to help you out. Your vehicle was expensive and it is important that it is handled with care. When you hire the right place for the job, you can trust that everything will be handled with care and professionalism. Hopefully the information provided here offers the guidance you are looking for in making a decision and identifying the source of the problem.

Best of luck with fixing or replacing your ignition cylinder!

Aricle source here: Virginia Beach Locksmith –Ignition Cylinder Problems: What to Do

What to Do When Locked Out of Your Car

Motorists dread the idea of being locked out of their car, however, this happens quite frequently. There are all sorts of reasons why you may find yourself locked out of your car. You may lose your keys somewhere in your home. Perhaps you put them in a jacket or pant pockets that you don’t remember. Maybe you laid them down while shopping and didn’t realize you ever took them out in the first place. If you have had to endure a hard day at work, it may have gotten even worse once you walked to your car only to realize that you have lost them.

Perhaps the keys have fallen out of your pocket or purse, somewhere in your car. If you are rushing and you snatch the key out of the car ignition or door, you may break the key off in the door or ignition. All of the above mentioned instances are common. If you have done any of these things, trust me when I tell you that you are not alone. While we understand that this is an extremely frustrating situation, there is a solution for your lockout situation. The key to quickly resolving the problem is to remain calm so that you are able to think clearly. Here are a few ways to avoid being locked out for too long.

Always Have a Spare Key

This is one of the most logical things to do if you want to avoid being locked out of your car for too long. Despite this being a practical solution, it might surprise you to know that not everyone has a spare key. Stop what you’re doing and put this on your to-do list, if you do not already have a spare key. The worst part of this solution would be for you to keep the spare key inside your car, where it obviously can’t do you any good. The best way thing to do is make sure that you give the spare key to someone that you trust. This way they can bring you the key and viola! Yes, it is just that simple. Knowing that someone else has a key that can quickly get you back into your car should put your mind at ease in the case that you are locked out of your car.

DIY vs Locksmiths

There are some motorists who would simply prefer to handle the problem on their own. This is a lot easier for those who have an older model vehicle. However, cost-effective doing it yourself might seem to be, consider the amount of time it may cost you to gain access again. You should also consider the amount of damage that you might make to the exterior of your car during the process. This might actually make the situation worse. Contacting the services of a locksmith, such as, Virginia Beach Locksmith, enables you to avoid the aforementioned.

Since most locksmith services offer 24-hour mobile servicing, they can get you the help that you need in no time. This means that you won’t have to waste time attempting to gain access. Since locksmiths are experienced in working with various makes and models of cars, it is easier for them to effectively unlock your car without causing damage to exterior or interior of your car. The good thing about a using a locksmith service to handle your lockout needs is that they come to where you are. You don’t have to pay extra to have your car towed to them.

Roadside Assistance

There are several well-known roadside assistance services that you may want to join. What they do is provide you with roadside assistance if you have car trouble, including, car lockouts. You pay a monthly fee and you are able to receive a specified amount of roadside assistance. This type of service is especially useful to anyone who has an older car. It is also a great idea for anyone who is prone to locking themselves out of their car. Check your car insurance to see if you are paying for roadside assistance. In many cases, motorists have insurance policies that enable them to receive a certain amount of roadside assistance per year. This is extremely helpful because they will send the nearest locksmith to assist in getting you back inside your car.

Stay Safe When Locked Out

Since a car lockout can occur when you least expect it, you may find not be fortunate enough to be locked out while still at work or at home. It is quite possible that you may be locked out in the middle of nowhere. When you are in an unfamiliar location, it is important that you take notice of your surroundings and never leave your car unattended when the key is locked inside the car. This could spell real trouble. If you need to get to a phone because yours in locked inside your car, make sure you leave someone to watch the car so that your car windows are not broken and your car stolen. If you are traveling alone, you may need to wait in order to get the help of a police officer, highway patrol or some city roadside assistance service. Whatever you do, don’t leave your car or hop into a car with someone you don’t know. If a stranger stops to help, simply ask if you can use their cell phone to call for help instead of asking for a ride anywhere.

Recap

Again, the key to gaining access back into your car as quickly as possible is to make sure you have a spare key, call a reputable and reliable Virginia Beach, VA locksmith that offers 24-hour servicing and buy roadside assistance. These are all sure to help you get back on the road sooner than later. With a little forethought, you’ll be back in your car before you know it. Don’t wait until you’re locked out; act now to avoid any further frustration by being locked out longer than you have to be.

 

Aricle source here: What to Do When Locked Out of Your Car

SYMPTOMS OF CAR IGNITION PROBLEMS

Even children know what the ignition does; it starts your car! Who doesn’t remember going for a ride in the family car and after climbing in the back seat, seeing your driving parent put the key in the ignition and…off we go! It was like having an on/off switch located in the column of the steering wheel. In the “old days” it was exactly that. The ignition’s primary purpose was to supply electrical current to the ignition system circuit at the same time that the engine was being cranked.

More modern ignitions do more; much more! Now the ignition system supplies electricity through an accessory position on the switch so that other components of your vehicle can also function. These include heater blower motors, windshield wipers, radio, power seats, power windows, air conditioning, power door locks, electronic automatic transmissions and many others. What it all comes down to is that your vehicle’s ignition system is a complex electronic device that allows you to activate the starting system as well as powers many electrical systems throughout the vehicle.

So what’s the bottom line? It’s this. The more parts, the more can go wrong! Even new ignition systems can sometimes fail and it’s smart to know the main symptoms of car ignition problems and what to do about them.

SIGNS THAT YOUR IGNITION SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING RIGHT

The most obvious – does your engine fail to turn over when the ignition key is turned to the start position?

Idling car – you come up to red light and the car is on but not moving. Does the car stall out? Is the ignition hot when you touch it? Does this happen frequently? Call for repair service as soon as possible as a suddenly stalling car while driving can be highly dangerous!

Jiggle the steering wheel – if your car won’t start and the key seems stuck; it may be that your steering wheel is locked. Don’t use force to remove the key, the dangers of breakage and additional problems are great. Simply jiggle the steering wheel back and forth a few times to release it.

No radio – With your key in the “on” position, does the radio work? How about the headlights? Many times these symptoms are mistaken for a bad battery when in fact it is the ignition system that is not working.

Leave no stone unturned and assume it’s your ignition. Take a moment to see if your radio volume is turned all the way down or even on. If you are inside your garage, see if you can see your headlights shine on the garage wall. If not, you may have to make sure that the car is in “park” and walk around to the front to see if the headlights are working.

Multiple turn-overs – no, not the bakery kind! Does your vehicle need several engine turn overs in order to start? This is another classic symptom of ignition switch failure. Your repair professional will be able to accurately test your vehicle’s ignition with the use of a multimeter. A simple diagnostic check will determine if there are shorts in the electrical system that is causing the problem.

TRY THIS TEST

Turn the ignition to the “on” position but don’t actually start the car. What do you notice? Did the headlights, dashboard lights, oil and brake lights turn on? Did any warning lights turn on? If not, your ignition switch is the most likely culprit. On the other hand, sometimes these items alone work but the car won’t start. Why is noticing all this important? The more symptoms you notice and describe to your Virginia Beach, VA repair person the better. Sure, he or she can figure all this out on his own but time is money and putting your car through these tests just saved a good half hour or repair service.

You may have noticed that many of these symptoms sound like a simple battery problem. So how can you tell? In many cases, you will hear a fast clicking sound when the battery is involved. This signals that your starter motor is trying to engage and it can’t. Also, the rest of your dashboard lights will be dim to dead and the electronic system is completely unresponsive. Be sure to check and see if your transmission is the PARK gear and not in any position. Many times Virginia Beach Locksmith has received ignition repair calls and the only problem was a simple gear shift!

WARNING – Your car’s ignition system runs on electrical current. Be careful if attempting to repair or replace your starter switch or any wiring by yourself! Make double sure that you have a trusted mechanic or an automotive locksmith in Virginia Beach, VA that you can call on. If not, be sure that metal objects like tools or other keys away from the wires.

THE BEST REPAIR SERVICE

Are you an experienced auto mechanic or locksmith? If not, you may want to work with one as this isn’t like changing a tire or adding motor oil, it requires skill and know-how to safely do ignition change service. Consider calling a licensed, bonded and insured automotive locksmith in Virginia Beach, VA instead of going through your car dealer or local auto repair shop. If your ignition system is out, your car won’t run and that means involving a tow truck and paying their fees on top of the repair bill.

Virginia Beach Locksmith offers 24-hour automotive locksmith service that includes ignition change outs, broken key removal, stuck key extraction and lots more. Prices are affordable and we offer fast and responsive emergency help that comes directly to you; no tow fees or long waits at the car repair shop. Prices can vary between locksmith shops, so if you notice spotty service from your ignition, be sure to call around for free price quotes. Add some phone numbers to your smart phone in case your ignition gives out on the road or when you’re busy with kids or pets in the car. For best results call for ignition cylinder replacement as soon as you notice any of the above problems.

Aricle source here: SYMPTOMS OF CAR IGNITION PROBLEMS

WHAT TO DO WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE WITH KEYS AND LOCKS

We don’t think much about them, but the truth is, locks and keys ~ residential, automotive, and commercial ~ play a big role in our everyday personal and business lives. When any challenge occurs concerning keys and locks, it’s often irritating, and definitely inconvenient, especially if something comes up after hours. There are many relatively easy measures you can take to keep yourself safe and secure, so that you will avoid most of the problems that could happen.

Preventive maintenance: If you are pro-active about keeping your locks well maintained, you’ll very rarely need to call a locksmith. Keep an eye out for:

• trouble getting your key into the lock mechanism
• difficulty turning a key in the lock
• signs of wear and tear
• rust

If you come across any of these issues, it’s best to change your locks, because worn-out locks are easier to break or pick. If you have old or faulty locks, you are more vulnerable to robbery. Here’s how you can prolong the life of your locks:

• If the key will not turn, don’t fret. Sometimes the pins get jammed. You might not have to call a locksmith at all, if you spray the lock mechanism with WD-40 or silicone spray. Oftentimes, this will solve the problem, so it’s certainly worth a try.
• Replace keys periodically. Our keys take an awful lot of abuse, as we throw them around quite often, and we keep them who knows where. Besides, we use them many times day. Accordingly, if you see that your keys are wearing down, or if you detect any damage to your keys whatsoever, then it’s time to make a new key. Be sure to toss out your old one properly.
• General lubrication. If you ever notice any grinding or excess friction in a lock mechanism, apply a silicone-based lubricant spray to the keyhole. Even if you don’t, it’s still a good idea to lubricate your locks twice a year.
  

Professional locksmiths recommend deadbolts. If you desire improved security, make sure your deadbolts are properly installed. It should have at least a one-inch throw. On the strike side, you should have a security plate with screws at least 3” long, going all the way into the door frame. Keep in mind that if you have any window on or near the door, a thumbturn deadbolt won’t be as effective, because a burglar could knock out the glass, stick a hand in, move the thumbturn, and easily open the door. To prevent this, you might want to put in a double-cylinder lock, which requires a key on the inside.

If you desire optimized safety and security, depending on your situation, there are many ways to provide peace of mind:

• Use only reputable top-quality brands, at least a grade 2.
• Keep your valuables and important documents in unexpected hiding places.
• Install a safe.
• Switch to a keyless remote system.
• Put in a keypad system. Some you can monitor with your smart phone.
• Install an alarm system.
• Add a video surveillance system.
• Hire only a local, reliable professional locksmith who is certified, licensed, background-checked, insured, and bonded.

What about broken keys? Make it a habit not to use your keys hurriedly. If you do, you may one day get utterly stalled, because your key might just break right off in the lock! Instead, always take a few extra seconds with your key, and you’ll protect both the key and the lock, saving yourself a lot of grief.

If your key breaks inside the lock before you shut the door, you will not be able to lock it, thus leaving your property vulnerable to burglary. If you break the key off after closing the door, you’ll likely be unable to open the door again. A broken key can also cause lock damage. What to do:

• Is part of your key stuck inside of the lock? If there’s a little piece of the key sticking out, you may be able to pull it out. If there’s enough of the key showing, you may be able to extract it with your fingers or using needle-nose pliers. However, if there’s any damage, you’ll need to hire a professional locksmith.
• If you don’t see any part of the key sticking out of the lock, it’s risky to try to get it out, because you may cause damage. Nevertheless, it could still be worth a try. Take a flathead screwdriver that’s small enough to fit into the keyhole. Carefully, pry the key inside to the point where it comes out of the lock ever so slightly, and then you might be able to remove it with your fingers or with pliers.

When is it necessary to change your locks?

• A new home. If you’ve just moved into a new place of residence, you need to change the locks immediately. You never know if any previous residents may still be in possession of their old keys.
• New roommates or tenants. If you rent out space in your home, or have any rental properties of any sort, it’s essential to replace locks each time you change occupants. Even if tenants return their keys to you, there could still be extra copies remaining somewhere.
• Lost keys. If you really and truly have lost your keys, then change your locks. You ought not risk the possibility of a stranger gaining access to your home.
• After a break-in. In case of a robbery or even an attempted one, all your outdoor locks, which would allow access to an intruder, should be replaced instantly. After that, based on your personal security priorities, you’ll want to replace any inside locks.
  

At some point, circumstances may dictate that you hire a trustworthy professional locksmith. The good news is, if you’re located anywhere in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Virginia Beach Locksmith is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Aricle source here: WHAT TO DO WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE WITH KEYS AND LOCKS