As an Australian homeowner, you understand the value of security. That's why you make intelligent financial decisions, like taking out a homeowner's insurance policy for your house.

What if we told you that taking extra precautions was also a great way to save on homeowner's insurance? That's right, increasing home security can save you up to 15% on your homeowner's insurance premium.

Today, we'll talk about increasing window security with window security locks, contact alarms, and more. The best part is that these tips don't just work at home. They're also perfect for your office.

Ready to get started? Read on for five great tips to increase window security at your home and office. 

Check Windows Frequently

It's easy to overlook the basics of window security, which can include frequent assessments of the windows themselves. Get into the habit of checking all windows, especially those on the first floor, for signs of wear and tear. When your windows are weakened or damaged, they are less secure and leave your home and office more vulnerable to break-ins. 

What kinds of wear or damage should you look for? Assess for signs of:

• chips or cracks in the glass
• warping frames
• loose frames or glass
• rusting or broken locks

If you notice any of these signs, ensure they are fixed immediately. Work and home window security starts with structurally sound windows. 

Install Contact Alarms

An alarm system is one of the best ways to lower your monthly insurance premiums. A complete alarm system will monitor activity near all entry points to your home and office, including doors, windows, and even driveways or garages. 

If you're looking for a low-cost but effective solution, install home security window sensors, also referred to as contact alarms. Contact alarms work by alerting you any time a monitored window is opened. 

Basic contact alarms typically can't monitor a window that has been broken rather than opened. Because burglars often target offices, you may also want to invest in a glass break sensor. As the name suggests, a glass break sensor will alert you when it picks up on the sound of broken glass, indicating that someone has broken your window. 

Simple contact and glass break systems will send an alert directly to your phone. More sophisticated systems will automatically alert a security company, which can further assess the situation and call the police when necessary. 

Invest in Safety Windows

If you notice that any of your windows are damaged, or you simply want to upgrade to something safer, consider investing in safety windows (aka security windows). Safety windows are tougher than regular windows, comprised of layers of robust and durable glass. An added penetration-resistant layer between each layer makes them even tougher to break.

When you choose the best security windows for homes and offices, you transform your windows from a potential access point to a nearly impenetrable barrier. That said, there are several different types of safety glass to choose from, and it's important to understand the differences between each.

Two cheaper options include toughened glass and security window film that you can apply to your existing windows. While these options do increase security to some degree, their primary purpose is to keep the glass from shattering into dangerous shards. Therefore, they are not necessarily designed to prevent breakage altogether.

The best choice is laminated glass. When laminated glass takes a blow, it cracks into a web-like pattern without shattering or forming an entry point. It takes several attempts to break through laminated glass, giving you and your security team more time to prevent a break-in. 

Install Security Barriers for Windows

What if your windows are easy to access from the ground or a fire escape? What if your office is located in an area that is prone to frequent break-ins and thefts? If so, you may want to opt for one of the best window security measures out there: security barriers.

Security barriers are made of metal or wire mesh. These barriers are installed on the outside of a window so that you can still use the window from inside (i.e. opening and closing it with ease). 

The best part about security barriers in the 21st century is that we now have far more options to choose from than traditional bars. In addition, you can find security bars in different patterns and with various treatments to better align with the overall aesthetic of your home or office. 

Invest in High-Quality Window Locks

High-quality locks are an integral part of security. Without them, your property is far more susceptible to break-ins. That said, it's surprising how few property owners take the time to investigate the quality of their locks.

You should always buy your security window locks from reputable brands, including:

• Doric
• Lockwood
• Whitco
• Schlage

Unlocked doors and windows are the most common entry point for intruders. Take the time to investigate your window security locks and research the brand. Then, test your locked windows from the outside to ensure that the lock is actually holding.

If you discover that your locks aren't high-quality or aren't doing the trick anymore, it's time to invest in something new. Consider sliding window security locks, sash window security locks, or aluminium siding window security locks.

Get Your Window Locks From a Reliable Source

Window security is one of the most critical elements of home and office security. By increasing your window security, you can make your home far less vulnerable and lower the cost of your monthly insurance premiums. The key is to make sure you're purchasing things like window locks from a reliable source.

The Lock Shop is one of Australia's premier sources for home and business security solutions. Take a look at our full collection of window security locks and upgrade your property's security today.

Windows are how homeowners connect with the outside world from the inside. You get access to the sunlight and can see everything happening from the safety of your home. However, windows aren't always the most secure parts of your house.

When it comes down to it, a window is just a pane or multiple panes of glass held inside a frame. Most of them open up and are held shut by a simple window lock. But not all locks are made the same or offer the same level of security. 

Here are some of the different types of window locks and why you should make the upgrade.

Why Choosing the Right Window Lock is Critical to Home Security

Did you know that your windows are one of the most overlooked aspects of your home when it comes to security? Almost a fourth of all burglars enter homes through the windows. They're often left unlocked or open for long periods and forgotten about when people leave the house.

Furthermore, windows are some of the least secure parts of your house. A person could tackle an adequately secured door and fail to knock it down, but many windows are only glass and wood. Once they've opened that window, the burglar has also created an escape route. 

One of the best ways to keep intruders out of your house is to use a lock that they can't break. Even better than that would be a lock they can't pick. 

Which Rooms Require Window Locks?

Not every window necessarily needs a sturdy lock. The most considerable risk comes from areas people can easily access, like a ground floor room. Locks for windows aren't always required if the window is three stories up.

Windows considered "easily accessible" include those next to a flat roof, balcony, or similar structure. For example, a window connected to a fire escape could be easily accessed by any stranger or neighbour. Even a rainwater pipe could be scaled to reach a window. 

Based on that factor, you'll need to make the best judgement when upgrading your window security. If your home is a one-story building, then you should go ahead and add a new lock to all of them. 

Types of Window Locks to Choose From

There are many window lock types available to choose from. Some focus more on accessibility, while others offer more security. You choose which lock for windows based on what fits your overall aesthetic.

For example, Lockwood window locks are electric and have touch keypads to control. Whitco window locks can be easily unlocked from the inside with a push-to-open or twist and pull function. 

Window Latch

A sash window lock, or latch, is one of the most common locks that come with most windows. It connects two sashes of the window, so it won't move when the latch is flipped or pressed down. 

The problem with sash window locks is that it's easy not to close them all the way. If the window is even the slightest bit unlatched, it'll slide open with force. 

Keyed Lock

Keyed locks offer an extra layer of security that most other locks don't provide. They're often paired with another, such as a latch, for double protection. You can find these locks utilised on hung and sliding windows. 

Much like a keyed door knob, you have to use a key to open and close it. As long as you don't lose your key, you'll have easy access to your windows.

Sliding Window Lock

Sliding window locks go onto sliding doors. They have a pin that screws into your sliding window track, preventing anyone from opening it. Using them is as simple as pressing or pushing the pin into place. 

The problems with locks for sliding windows are the same as with a latch. If an aluminium sliding window lock isn't closed all the way, it's easy to brute force it open. 

Hinged Wedge Lock

Hinged wedge locks are unique, allowing for more control over how much a window opens. 

If they're placed further down, the window can only open so much before it hits resistance. If they're placed further up, the window can be fully opened. 

Keep in mind that if the wedge is stuck to velcro, it won't stay as secure if it gets dirty. 

Swivel Action Lock

Swivel action locks for your windows are self-locking. They're equipped with a snib, which is like a catch. It stops the window from reopening after it's shut. 

In order to open it again, you'll need to turn the snib. This will release the lock. 

Window Pin Lock

A window pin lock is similar to the chain locks or tiny bars you'll see on a door. One part is attached to the sash and the other to the frame. 

Some of these function with a solid bar that slides into the lock, preventing movement much like a bolt on a door. Others use a chain or cable that secures the window to the frame. 

Handle Lock

Handle locks are simple options like a latch. When you turn the handle, the window opens. These are relatively low profile but may be difficult to lock properly if the handle gets stuck or refuses to turn. 

Folding Latch

A folding latch is found on casement windows. It's embedded into the frame and keeps it locked when turned down. Turn it up to release the lock.

Child Safety Latch

Some window locks are easy to open, even for children. The last thing you want is your toddler wiggling their way through a window and out into the world alone. 

Child safety window locks allow you to secure a window so that it won't open more than a few inches. That way, you can open them up to let in some air, and your child won't be able to fit through the gap. 

Get Your Window Lock From a Reliable Source

There are a lot of different window lock options out there to secure your home. Some are more about convenience than safety, while others help fortify your house against outside intruders. Either way, your first concern should be finding a reliable lock retailer. 

The Lock Shop has everything you need for security, from safe storage to digital locks. If you need new window locks, look no further. Check out our stock online, and contact us if you have any questions. 

How do you enter a building when you arrive at one? There's a good chance you use the door knob or handle unless you're planning to break in. 

One of the first objects visitors see when they visit your home is your front door. Not only will they make a judgment based on how it looks, but they'll very likely grab your door knob or handle to enter your house. If you care about other peoples' perceptions, then you should take the time to pick out door handles that match your overall style and aesthetic. 

Here's everything you need to know about choosing front door handles and door knobs in Australia. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Door Fixture

Many people disregard their external and internal door handles. As long as it opens the door, then why buy anything other than the cheapest options available?

However, the right door handle can help with your overall design, make entering and leaving rooms much easier, and last longer than the cheaper variety. 

For example, a handle in a place with high traffic needs to withstand much use. Likewise, a door knob used for your front door needs to be sturdier than one used for your bedroom, as the lock attached doubles as a security measure. 

Lever or Knobs?

The first major consideration when outfitting your doors is whether to go for a lever or a knob. 

Door knobs have been around for a long time for good reason. They're primarily used in domestic settings and have a rounded design. 

You'd want to use a door knob because they're generally more affordable and easier to install. However, they don't offer as much grip and may prove difficult for children and the elderly to use. 

Door levers are much easier to use than knobs, which makes them great for public spaces. People don't have to worry about whether or not they can grip them, as you can open them easily with even an elbow. 

Some disadvantages of levers are that they won't always match up with older

 homes or doors. They're also notorious for snagging clothing due to their design. 

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Door Handle and Knob

What kind of handle or knob would best fit your door and home? There are many different types of knobs and handles out there, including privacy knobs, rustic ones, and various finishes. 

Before you buy one, you should consider your door's style and finish, the shape of the handle or knob, and your interior design. 

Your Door's Style and Finish

Don't ignore your door's style and finish when choosing a handle or knob. They're an integral part of it, and people will notice if they clash design-wise. 

Look for hardware that matches your personal tastes and your home's architectural design. For example, black door handles and black door knobs go with pretty much everything. 

The Shape of the Handle/Knob

Similarly, you should consider the overall shape of your handle or knob.

It's enticing to pick a quirky or highly stylized door knob, but you have to remember that you're going to use these every day, so they need to be comfortable to the touch and not wear away or break easily. 

If you struggle opening standard door knobs, then a handle will help immensely. Those who want something more traditional will be happier with a knob. 

Sliding door handles are a bit more limited in design, as they're either installed vertically or recessed into the door. However, you can still find the right material and shape for your home's aesthetic. 

Your Home's Overall Interior

It's essential to match your exterior, but what about the inside of your house? All the doors in your home need some kind of knob or handle, so they need to reflect the room they're in. 

You don't need to buy the same exact door knob or handle for every door in your house. However, it may help to pick ones from a set, as they'll share a general design. 

Even your exterior knob needs to complement the room it opens up to. 

Additional Factors to Consider

Design isn't everything when it comes to choosing a knob or handle. There's the size and weight of the door they're attached to, the door's location, and how easy the handle is to use. 

The Size and Weight of the Door

Not all door knobs and handles are suitable for every type of door. For large and heavy doors, you'll want something that provides an ample grip and can bear the weight you're pulling. 

Handles offer an excellent grip, but too much weight may bend and break them. Some knobs are sturdier, but they'll need to be larger to facilitate a better grip. 

The Door's Location and Function

Bedroom and kitchen door knobs face different challenges because they serve different purposes. 

For example, bathroom door knobs will have to be resistant to moisture. Copper and brass door handles provide antimicrobial properties that are especially good for kitchen door handles. They're also generally useful for all of your rooms. 

In addition, you may want to find a handle material that can withstand your cleaning products.  

The Handle's Ease of Use

Some homeowners may struggle with opening standard door knobs. This is because they might have problems with their hand or grip strength. These people may even lack hands altogether, in which case grabbing and turning a knob is very difficult for them. 

A handle doesn't suffer that problem, as all it requires is some amount of downward force to open the door. You can open it with your wrist or even by pressing your body down on it. 

Get Your Door Handles and Knobs From a Reliable Source 

Buying poor-quality door handles will give you many problems down the line. It's not uncommon for cheap ones to give you problems like failing to unlock or getting stuck. They may also begin to corrode on you if they aren't the right option for where they're placed.

A reliable store like The Lock Shop specializes in supplying all the door hardware you could need. We stock all the big brands, such as Lockwood, Gainsborough, and Whiteco. Check out our collection of door hardware and handles online today. 

Your home is your safe place and castle. It's where you can store all your things and rest up, knowing that you have walls and locked doors keeping you safe. However, what happens when someone manages to get in and gains access to all of your belongings?

A safety deposit box helps protect your valuable possessions and documents from home invaders, as well as friends and family. You won't have to worry about someone snooping through your most important items or stealing something you've stored away when you have one at home.

Here's everything you need to know before you buy a safety deposit box in Australia. 

How Do Safety Deposit Boxes Work?

When most people think of safety deposit boxes, they think of the ones stored at your bank. You rent them out, and they can keep your things alongside the money your bank holds for you. 

However, they are also safety deposit boxes you can purchase for more secure home storage. These safes are much harder to break into than a standard locked cabinet and are too heavy and bulky to steal away easily. 

In most cases, your home safety deposit box comes with a keypad lock rather than a padlock. Some may have a rotary combination lock instead. 

The Benefits of Having a Safety Deposit Box at Home

Homeowners may wonder why they would opt for a home safety deposit box instead of simply keeping money in the bank. After all, a bank is undoubtedly much more secure than your home. Otherwise, people wouldn't use bank security deposit boxes. 

The benefits of a safety deposit box at home include convenience and scalability. In some cases, deposit safes you can purchase online are much better than those you can find at your local bank. 

1. They Offer Security for Valuable Possessions and Provide Peace of Mind

Some people struggle with buying valuable items or electronics for their homes if they live in areas with higher crime rates. Even homeowners in friendly neighbourhoods invest in security systems for more protection. 

A safety deposit box is one of the many ways to keep your valuables safe at home. Storing your items inside of them also gives you peace of mind because you know they'll still be there even if your house gets burgled or burns down. In addition, they work great in combination with security cameras and other security systems. 

2. Know Where Your Valuables Are

Another benefit of using a safety deposit box at home is that you always know where your most valuable items are.

Usually, the things you put into a deposit safe or other kind include documents like passports, extra checks, and the deed to your house. You wouldn't usually put jewellery in there unless it's very expensive or has sentimental value. 

Since you put the most valuable possessions in the box, you know they'll always be in there when you need them. You won't have to worry about which of the five different hiding spots in your house has the one thing you need. 

3. Protect From Family Members and Friends

Deposit safes for sale are about more than keeping strangers from stealing your stuff. The most common thefts and tampering will come from your friends and family. 

Not every person in your social circle is out to burglarize your home, in any case. You never know when someone's kid will decide to go through your drawers. 

Imagine that you've kept a pistol in your desk drawer for protection. What happens when a child wanders into your room and finds that you've left the drawer slightly open? It could spell danger for everyone around them. 

A safety deposit box won't hold anything large like a gun safe. However, it should be able to handle a standard handgun. 

4. Fire and Waterproof

Another one of the benefits of a safety deposit box is that you can scale them to your needs. You can buy a small one for simple locked storage or a more expensive model if you desire more protection. 

For example, some deposit safes are made to resist water or fire.

Fireproof safes can withstand high heat and protect items inside them to a certain extent. For deposit safes to be waterproof, they must be airtight and insulated. No water should be able to get in through the corners of the door or the lock mechanism. 

5. Cheaper Than One at Your Bank

Affordability is the most significant benefit of using a home safe deposit box in Melbourne. Renting a safety deposit box at your local bank may cost you as much as $150 a year for a basic one. A much larger deposit box will run you more every year. 

Meanwhile, you can find good quality deposit safes for as little as $875. There are cheaper options online, but they often lack the security and quality of more expensive models. 

While buying a deposit box is more expensive in the short term, you can use it for the rest of your life. 

What to Store (And Not to Store) In Your Safety Deposit Box

What you can store in your safety deposit box is only limited by its size. A smaller one will only hold a few documents and items, while a larger safe may be able to hold weapons. 

Some of the things you shouldn't store in your safety deposit box include illegal or dangerous items, spare keys, or money. 

First, keeping illegal items in your safe does not make you immune from persecution. Second, keeping spare keys in your deposit box won't help if you end up locked out of your house.

Finally, any money kept in your safe may become vulnerable if someone breaks into your home and forces you to open it. Therefore, you should keep your money safe at the bank instead.

Get Your Safety Deposit Box From a Reliable Source

A safety deposit box is easy to acquire if you do a simple search online. However, a cheap security safe may be easy to break into, steal, or otherwise gain access to. Instead, you should find a reliable retailer for a quality safe deposit box. 

The Lock Shop offers secure hardware for your doors, safes, and more. Our safe deposit boxes are engineered with heavy-duty locking mechanisms for your security. Check out our supply online and sign up for our newsletter. 

You may think that digital locks are a new trend, but they have existed for decades. They used to be seen only in movies, but many homes and offices prefer digital door locks nowadays. And just like any other technological product in the market, digital door locks come in different brands and models to the point that picking the right one for your needs can be a bit mind-boggling.

Here at The Lock Shop, we have a variety of the latest brands and models of digital locks. And because we love you, our customers, we have crafted this guide to help you choose the perfect digital lock for your unique needs.

What’s a Digital Lock?

A digital lock, also known as an electric lock, is an electronic (sometimes battery-operated) lock that does not require using a conventional key. It is an alternative to the mechanical lock and has automated features that take security to another level.

Like any type of lock, digital locks use a bolt or latch to prevent access to the doorway where they are installed.

That said, digital locks may have more than one unlocking method, depending on their type, brand, and model. While a traditional lock is accessed via a physical key and works mechanically, a digital lock is accessed either via fingerprints (biometrics), RIFDs, NFC cards, or a PIN.

Some models of digital locks support traditional keys, but the addition of digital unlocking methods is what makes digital locks truly unique.

Besides not requiring a physical key, digital locks are also often more secure than conventional locks. It’s a misconception that digital locks are easier targets for thieves since they can be hacked. In reality, the opposite is true.

Choosing a Lock

Before you browse our page and shop for a Lockwood digital lock or a Gainsborough digital lock, there’s one thing you need to understand first: doors and locks are not always compatible.

You can’t just purchase a digital door lock from our collection and expect it to work the way you expect it. Unless you are buying a new lock along with a new door, you first have to identify what type of door you’re going to use the digital lock for.

Does your door have a Mortise lock? Are you shopping for a rim latch lock? Perhaps it’s a deadbolt lock that you need?

How about gate locks? For gates, you will need digital gate locks explicitly designed for gates. Unlike door locks, gate locks are designed so you can’t easily unlock them even if you can reach the other side.

What Locking Methods Do You Prefer?

Ultimately, choosing a digital door lock all comes down to which unlocking method works for you. There are different types of unlocking methods for digital locks, and you’d want to opt for one that is most convenient for you and makes you feel the most secure.

Biometric Fingerprint Identification

Biometric Fingerprint Identification is the easiest unlocking method for a digital lock. It’s also considered the best since it doesn’t require that you remember a PIN code or have a card or key. In addition, the fact that it requires a unique set of fingerprints (your fingerprints) makes it highly secure.

In any case, it’s still important to choose a reliable brand and model, considering that not all digital locks with fingerprint readers are created equal.

As much as possible, you’d want to get a lock where the fingerprint reader is found on the handle. That way, scanning your fingers and opening the latch requires only a single movement. The McGrath Digital Bluetooth Lock (MLNX5) carries such a feature, as does our Schlage digital lock (Schlage Ease™ Smart Deadbolt and Entry Lock).

RFID/NFC Keycard

If you don’t like PIN codes, a lock requiring an RFID or NFC keycard should be a good alternative. RFID and NFC have similar functions, although NFC is more advanced. You will find NFC in mobile access control systems, wherein smart tags that have been activated on smartphones serve as receiver and transmitter at the same time. The only difference is that RFID has a better range.

Pin Codes

Pin Codes are not as great as the first two we’ve covered, but they are still good options since they also require no keys. The only downside of pin codes is that they are less secure since all that a thief has to do is learn your PIN, and they’ll have access to your property. PIN codes are also easy to forget, which is another cause of issue. If you wish to get a lock with PIN codes as its unlocking method, be sure to find one with an efficient way of masking your PIN.

Mechanical Key

The whole idea of getting a digital lock is to go keyless. However, it’s still good to have a backup option. For example, what will you do if your smart lock runs out of batteries or something happens and the only way for you to unlock the door is to use a physical key? That said, many digital locks come with a mechanical override that allows you to use a physical key in case of an emergency.

What Other Features Are You After?

There are many other factors to consider besides unlocking methods and overall design when choosing a smart lock.

Manual Overrides

We’ve already mentioned the importance of having an emergency key. A manual override allows you to operate your lock in case the circuit board gets damaged, or the battery dies.

Fully automatic or semi-automatic

Fully-automatic means operating the lock requires fewer steps — the motor does all the job driving the locksets. Semi-automatic means your lock’s battery life is longer. The manual actions required also make it easier to transition from using a conventional lock.

Battery life and battery warnings

Most digital locks have batteries that last very long, so this is not a crucial consideration. Still, you’d want to prefer a lock with batteries that last more than a year and one that notifies you when it’s starting to lose charge.

Lock security

Lock security covers both mechanical and digital aspects of the lock. Is the lock easy to pick? How secure is it from hackers? For mechanical security, ensure that the lock has a solid and heavy-duty design. For digital security, find a lock with damage sensors and electromagnetic protection at the least.

Smart features

Smart features are not critical, but they do add to your digital lock’s convenience. Great smart features include the ability to get phone notifications when the door is unlocked, remotely locking and unlocking the device, and automation with other smart home features.

Conclusion

Digital door locks make life easier and more convenient. But, more importantly, they provide the peace of mind that you and your loved ones are safe and secure at all times. The key (no pun intended) to choosing a digital lock is to find a brand and model that has undergone rigorous testing and has established an excellent reputation in the security industry.

Here at The Lock Shop, we have a wide range of quality digital door locks you can trust.

Whether it’s a Carbine digital lock, Gainsborough digital lock, or Borg digital lock you are looking for, you can guarantee that we have what you exactly need!