You’ve just purchased your first home and you are thrilled just as anyone would expect! And while you may be busy planning wall colors and buying just the right furniture, there’s one investment you shouldn’t overlook- the security of your home. All Access Locksmiths can do much more than install quality locks; we can install state-of-the art security systems as well as fire and burglar alarms. Whether you’re a first time home owner or you’ve upgraded to a larger home, purchasing a home is the largest investment you can make. You certainly don’t want to take this investment too lightly. With most home costing more than $100,000,000, it would be a smart move to take the proper measures needed to protect your life long investment. The average home owner will make mortgage payments to a bank for 30 years. This is considered a ‘life-long’ investment.
 
With most of your hard earned money being pocketed into the hands of the mortgage lender, you must think logically regarding your new purchase. Home decorating can be tons of fun, but if you return home one evening to find that your new furniture was stolen by a high tech thief then you would have shopped in vain. With today’s suffering economy, crime is on the rise and home break-ins are increasing as well. Take a moment during all the excitement and make sure you give us a call so we can discuss of your home security options. This may seem like a headache, but it will pay off in the long run in case some hopeful robber is ‘casing’ your home –waiting for an opportune moment. You have worked hard for your home, why should some over anxious thief get a piece of your pie? In the 5 minutes it would take for you to call All Access Locksmiths your real estate investment could be threatened. We think you should give us a call now. Don’t wait one moment longer or it may be too late!
 

With our economy in a crunch there is a greater need for locksmiths. We are facing desperate times. If you pick up the newspaper or turn on the television you will hear about some type of robbery where a business or a home was broken in to. That’s why it’s important to have the proper locks installed for your protection. It’s a sad fact, but property crime is still on the rise. A home lock out may be the least of your worries. Robberies have more than tripled over the past 2 years. Daylight home burglaries and armed robberies have spread nationwide.  The recession has caused a panic among citizens and even senior citizens are robbing banks.

If you think you’ve lost your house keys, the first thing you should do is give All Access Locksmith a call! Do not wait! While you’re waiting you’re home is facing the danger of being robbed by a thief. A lock change or a re-key could save you from potential disaster! Even if you haven’t lost your keys, did you know that some criminals know how to pick locks or break into your home, office, or car? It is our job to provide you with the best lock solutions so you and your family can feel safe.

With unemployment rates still on the rise, you can expect crime to go up even faster. It’s important to come up with a self defense plan. The first thing you need to do is keep your car locked at all times. If the worst should happen and you loose your car keys, we can help you re-key or recover from that lock out.

Did you know that in 2008 jewelry store robberies increased by 22%? And here’s another fact: jewelry holds its value, even during a recession. If a thief enters your home one of the first items he’ll grab is your jewelry. If the thief gets caught he’ll do very little jail time because most cities and counties just can’t afford to keep them locked up. So they end up back on the streets and robbing homes like yours. Keep your locks updated. Call All Access Locksmith so we can install top notch locks. We want you and your family to feel safe and secure, especially during this economical crisis!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we want to inform you that the reigning champion of on-campus crime is theft. While a student cannot guarantee that some of his/her valuables don’t “grow legs and walk” sometime during their collegiate career, we want you to know how to protect yourself. At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we’d like to tell you about eight steps to push the odds in your favor that your belongings will remain in your possession over a long period of time.

1)     Zip the lip on what you own. Sometimes you are your own worst enemy if you begin to blab to others in open, common areas about your new iPod or cell phone. Others with not-so-ethical intentions may be nearby. Be careful what you share publicly.

2)     Carry less cash. Use credit or debit cards instead. If you keep cash in your dorm, make sure it is stored in a safe or a lockable cash box.

3)     Engrave your most valuable possessions. Marking items makes them easier to identify or reclaim as your property, and reputable pawn shops will refuse to take such items.

4)     Use a quality padlock for any locker. Some locks are now able to be unlocked with your own easy-to-recall password.

5)     Get a strong bike lock. Pass on small chains or basic locks that are easy to snap with a bolt cutter. Choose a reinforced U-lock for added security and make sure you are tying your two-wheeler to a bike rack that is solidly cemented into the ground.

6)     Lock your doors and windows. DOH! It sounds simple, but thieves often gain entry to living spaces not by breaking in, but by sliding open. Door or window security bars are wise purchases. If you have a roommate, educate him or her about securing your quarters before leaving.

7)     Get insurance. Laptops and other electronics are commonplace on campuses, and there is a decent chance that a student will lose or have stolen one or more of his/her belonging during their campus stay. Consult with your insurance professional about the replacement costs of items. It’s also essential for students to back up their computers in case of theft.

8)     Get a lock for your backpack. Backpacks are ubiquitous on college campuses, and they are popular targets for theft because of the valuables most students keep in them. A number of lock makers have mini key locks or combination locks that will deter a pilfering criminal on the hunt for cash, electronics or identification to steal. Just like at the airport, it is wise to keep a backpack next to you at all times to prevent loss.

Be vigilant, but not paranoid. College campuses have better lighting and security to ensure student safety these days.  Be aware of your surroundings. Think like a thief would to protect yourself and your belongings.

For a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we want you to know that we are concerned about seniors. People are living longer and more productive lives these days. More and more senior citizens are living on their own instead of with family. At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we know this has created a new set of security concerns.

Age and infirmity make the elderly targets for criminals and those who would take advantage of them in their perceived or actual weakened state. An older man or woman’s home can be seen as an easy target for those who would steal from them. Some thieves want the “quick cash” of laptops, iPods, stereos and cell phones found more often in the residences of younger individuals and families. But as the elderly, often reluctantly, join the electronic age to keep in touch with family and friends, they are increasingly seen as a burglar’s dream. Prized items to pilfer would include jewelry and medications, plus electronics and large stashes of cash hidden under mattresses or in other spots in a senior’s home.

Consequently, the elderly must have a different mindset, taking practical steps to ensuring their home’s security, and thus their personal well-being.  Some might think that a really strong home alarm system would be best. However, some touch pads are complicated, and arming and disarming the system in time might prove challenging for even the most physically and mentally fit seniors. If such a security system is chosen, it should be one that automatically alerts the police

Another increasingly popular measure that gives seniors living alone and their relatives greater piece of mind is a type of panic or alert device worn around the neck or arm. Just one button push can call for the authorities, whether the incident is a robbery, a serious fall, or a heart attack or other medical issue. Often minor incidents can turn serious if a senior is unable to get help, which is why these alert devices are a trusty companion for the elderly who are living independently.

Lastly, every senior should consult with a locksmith to determine what other measures could and should be taken. Strong locks on doors and windows are a must. Some type of basic interior security system that is easy to operate makes sense. Seniors often prefer to have a driveway or a property perimeter alarm that chimes upon entry.  Something as simple as a front door peephole or a strategically placed video monitor can add to the feelings of one’s security.

For a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we want to inform you there are rings of bogus locksmiths out there. Recent busts in New York and Florida put some of the bad guys away, but in a struggling economy there are still people who use locksmithing as a way to gain entry into your home or business. At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we also know that by now, most of us know the various Nigerian Internet scams promising millions. If you’ve ever been approached by a guy with a van in a supermarket parking lot, you know that the stereo equipment he’s selling is likely hot.

Still, it is vital to educate yourself further.  All you have to do is go to YouTube to watch various new reports on phony locksmiths and locksmith scams. If you search using those keywords, you’ll discover such fraud/burglary reports from all around the country. One recent report from ABC News is particularly worth your viewing, and here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYK7-3AJRZM
Before you call a locksmith (or any other service professional, for that matter), it is wise to find out how to make sure someone you are hiring to assist you with your valuable personal possessions is actually who he says he is. Fifteen to 30 minutes of your time can help to save you untold hundreds of dollars and much grief.

As you might guess, it is optimal to have a quality personal reference from a friend or a reputable business. Doing some searches on the Internet, investigating a locksmith’s reputation and finding out what others served by him think of his service is always a good idea. When any locksmith arrives at your home or business, it is essential to ask to see his locksmith’s license and match it to his driver’s license. Any reputable locksmith will have no problem producing these items for you, and will appreciate that you have the savvy to ask and require this documentation. Ask him about guarantees and warranties on the products he uses as well as his labor, and make sure that information is placed in writing for your files.

But what should you do if you begin to have red flags about your locksmith about the quality of his work or if you catch him in places he shouldn’t be in your home or business, or if you sense some type of bait-and-switch game is going on? Call his company. If he gets agitated or verbally abusive, request that he leaves. If that doesn’t work, call the police to arbitrate. A scammer locksmith will quickly leave to avoid getting caught. Whatever is the case, do not under any circumstances pay him if you have suspicions or are not satisfied.

Protecting yourself and your property is a necessity. Certified, friendly, and hardworking locksmiths are in the vast majority of those you will encounter. However, if you are face-to-face with a rip-off artist, use these tips to make sure you are getting the quality of service you expect and deserve.

For a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we know sometimes it’s great to put a bit of lightness into an otherwise stressful situation. So, if you’ve already picked up the phone to call us, you can be assured we’re on our way. Now, you have time to enjoy this story. At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we’d like to spark your interest in eight essential movies you’ll want to see! After all, locks, keys, vaults, robberies, and more are so engrained in popular culture.

1) The Matrix Reloaded. Who can forget the Keymaker, who provides access to Neo so he can meet The Architect of the Matrix?

2) Ghostbusters. The original and best, with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. You might remember Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, who is possessed by the demon “The Keymaster” near the end of the film.

3) Ocean’s Eleven, starring George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, it’s a fun romp rife with locks, keys, explosives, vaults, and high-tech security, complete with plenty of crosses and double-crosses.
4) The Italian Job (2003 remake). Charlize Theron has to the most beautiful safe-cracker ever! Superb music and directing, plus crazy helicopter stunts and frantic racing around in Mini Coopers. Watch for the sequel, The Brazilian Job, in 2013.

5) Die-Hard. $640 million in bearer bonds at stake ruins a Christmas party, but Bruce Willis comes to the rescue, thwarting the most stylish thief/mastermind in recent memory played by Alan Rickman.

6) The Thomas Crown Affair, starring Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo, and Denis Leary. One of the most entertaining heist movies ever made, and a security expert’s nightmare.

7) Dog Day Afternoon, starring Al Pacino. A classic bank robbery film. A true story. Gritty, raw, odd, funny, and sad. A brilliant performance by Pacinod.

8) Ronin, starring Robert DeNiro and others. The Irish Mafia, Russians, and a team of specialists are all trying to get a metal suitcase. Action, double-crosses, and perhaps the best car chase ever captured on film.

No doubt we’ve missed some good ones. What are your favorites?

For a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

Locksmith companies in San Francisco, whether solo entrepreneur locksmiths or connected to larger companies and/or associations, don’t work exclusively on a 9 to 5 schedule. A large number of locksmith companies in San Francisco are “on call”, around the clock, to be of service to customers in a community so that they can respond to any lock-or-key-related emergency.

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we know that part of being a locksmith means keeping up with the latest developments and innovations in the locksmithing and security industries. Rapid changes in technology force a locksmith to stay current on what’s new with keys, locks, safes, and other security devices. At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we are dedicated to providing top level service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we are licensed, bonded and insured. For the purpose of this article, let’s talk about the typical day of a locksmith.

Every day is different for a locksmith professional. One large slice of time is often spent in helping customers catch in lock-out emergencies on cars and trucks. Time is of the essence when children or pets are locked in cars by mistake. Changing out ignitions or frozen locks, or rekeying vehicle locks are just some of the ways locksmiths come to the rescue of stranded, harried clients whose life, family, and business depend on swift expert solutions to their lock problems. A quality locksmith must not only know locks and keys, but know how to apply his knowledge to the intricacies of different cars and trucks.

Another big portion of his day could be spent installing household deadbolt locks and security and safety devices to ensure adequate personal protection against loss. Conventional entry locks are still common, but today there are keyless entry systems and biometric locks with advanced encoding. Home-based jobs could entail the most mundane tasks of repairing side gate locks or rekeying or replacing locks on front doors, side doors, windows or sliding glass doors.

Larger locksmith companies often focus on servicing industrial units, because they are typically more well-paying jobs. An adept lock service professional should be versatile, from handling simple lock change-outs to installing and maintaining various kinds of security access mechanisms.

A gifted locksmith will find himself picking locks, cutting keys, rekeying locks, repairing locks or responding to roadside assistance calls requiring entry or ignition help. It’s all in a day’s work—and there’s rarely a dull moment.

If you need a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we know that at times you wish to take care of problems on your own. Naturally, it is tempting to try to save time and money by doing some locksmith services yourself. You may be quite the handyperson around the house or office. However, at All Access San Francisco locksmith, we know that other than basic doorknob installation, you might want to think twice about doing the job of a qualified locksmith.

We can tell you: Sometimes it’s more expensive to fix the damage caused by a customer trying to do it themselves. Breaking into your house or car through trying to jimmy a lock can damage it beyond repair. Replacement sometimes can cost quite a bit more than to have an expert unlock a door who knows what he’s doing.

Consider these advantages and disadvantages of being a do-it-yourself locksmith:

1) Know-how. Most people can deal with a simple lock replacement. Anything tricky than that, you might want to think twice. There are so many different kinds of locks, from basic to complex. How-to manuals may be able to help you out only so far.

2) Tools. Do you have the necessary tools to accomplish the task? How much will buying the tools run you? How does that compare to a professional who already has the tools?

3) Time. How long will it take you? If you’re a doctor, lawyer, or other professional, how much do you get paid an hour? What is the benefit of doing it yourself when it takes all day and takes you away from being with your family? What is the ultimate cost then?

4) Doing it right the first time. Isn’t that what you pay a professional to do? Sometimes the trial and error of doing it yourself endings up costing you more in the long run. Most people also don’t factor in the collateral damage of scratches and dings in doors from locks and keys.

When most locksmiths can be at your service within the hour, and considering what you could be spending your time on (your family, time with friends, or one of your hobbies), sometimes the best decision is to leave it to the expert. It’s up to you. If a locksmith isn’t readily available, you might wish to try to do it yourself. Bottom line: Whether you are doing it yourself or you end up damaging it yourself, your local, accomplished locksmith can come to the rescue, doing it right the first time, or undoing and redoing your attempt that came up short. That is peace of mind!

If you need a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we want to let you know that in the locksmith industry there is a fascinating organized form of competition based on this premise called Locksport. So, take a glance at this sport that is especially designed for locksmiths. At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we want you know about the adventure of locksmithing. And no need to worry, participants in this sport are held to a no-tolerance policy for any illegal or unethical lock-breaking activities.

The origins of Locksport began informally during the 18^th century where King Louis XVI of France was known to pick locks for fun. The nefarious side of lock picking became somewhat more legitimate with the publishing of The MIT Guide to Lock Picking.

Locksport is a game or a contest to defeat various kinds of locks. Matches are held to determine how is fastest at opening locks using techniques such as picking, bumping (using a special universal bump key that works with certain kinds of pin tumbler locks), and other more secretive lock-busting skills known only to those in the inner circle of locksmiths.  Locksport events actually turn into a kind of open network and support group for locksmiths to share their expertise with one another.

According to on-line sources, holding more formal events started with a German group of lock pickers. The group’s influence spread to The Netherlands, which boasts a group called TOOOL (The Open Organization Of Lockpickers). The creation of the sport group Locksport International in July 2005, founded by the owners of LockPicking101.com, helped to solidify the “locksport” term, and now Locksport International is currently led by Doug Farre.

The overarching goal of locksport players is not fame or fortune, or recognition. It is safety. Master locksmiths choose obscurity over visibility in order to enhance security and now let the information they possess fall into the wrong hands. Lock and security vulnerabilities are noted and reported to applicable manufacturers in a responsible way.

Locksport competitions often include various lock speed challenges, testing, lock relay races and other contests created by the participants themselves. Often locksport events are held in conjunction with locksmithing conventions.

If you need a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!

At All Access 24-7 San Francisco Locksmith, we know, like in any service industry, the fees you’ll be charged by a locksmith vary widely, depending on the geographic location, type of work being done, and the time taken to complete the work. This might sound confusing. So, at All Access San Francisco Locksmith, you evaluate your needs to provide you with the most reasonable price for our services. You can rest assured that your need for fair pricing will be guaranteed by Alll Access. Yet, we do want you know how locksmith companies in San Francisco operate when it comes to pricing. This way you can be better prepared when you are dealing with locksmith companies in San Francisco.

For instance, a simple job like opening your car door, or making a replacement key will cost less than re-keying a lock or replacing locks on your doors or windows. Even more pricey is security system installation or other specialized services for consumers or commercial businesses.

Many locksmith services offer on-call service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Expect to pay more for weekend, off-hours, or holiday locksmithing. Be sure to ask on the phone if there are additional surcharges before the locksmith shows up and does the work to avoid surprises.

The cost varies considerably depending on location, type of lock and time of day, but usually starts with a minimum charge (also called a mobile fee) for coming to you. Service on evenings, weekends or holidays can be considerably higher, particularly if your site is remote and the cost-of-living is greater. Many locksmiths fold standard lock-out services into their price for showing up at your doorstep. Some have lower minimum price, but add on additional fees for specific services.

Obtain estimated cost ranges over the phone to adequately prepare yourself for the expenses. Make sure to find out what is included, and if there are any “hidden” fees. In an emergency, it’s hard to comparison shop. Urgency is key, and you may pay accordingly, depending upon the locksmith.  However, when you have the luxury of shopping around, by making a few phone calls and consulting the Internet, you can be prepared for what amount of money will be needed. While many locksmithing fees are set, do ask about any military or professional discounts, if applicable, or if the company offers a discount for paying cash.

If you need a locksmith company in San Francisco, contact All Access today at 1-866-505-LOCK (5625)!