Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are homes which are shared between at least three tenants who are not related, and who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom. As a landlord of an HMO, there are very specific fire safety responsibilities you must adhere to, but did you also know you have certain responsibilities concerning the security of the property? (more…)

Lock bumping is a commonly used method by intruders to gain entry to a property. It involves using a modified key to manipulate the lock open. It is a sad fact that these modified ‘bump keys’ are available to buy online, and the lock bumping method is even capable of compromising a fairly decent deadbolt lock. In this post we are looking at the problems associated with lock bumping, and how to overcome them.

Fraud costs the UK economy around £193 million per year. Personal identity information is one of the most valuable forms of data targeted by criminals. Details like names, addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers as well as financial information can be used to steal an identity and open credit and bank accounts and apply for loans, benefits and official documents such as driving licences and passports, leading to an array of devastating issues for the victims.

Whilst identity thieves are well known for targeting online sources in their quest to acquire personal information, the fact remains that physical means like bank statements, tech devices and the contents of a wallet can all provide inroads for fraudsters.

So what measures, aside from online security, can we employ to safeguard our personal data and prevent identity theft? Let’s take a look.

Many people rely on padlocks to secure everything from the garden shed to their performance bicycle or shop shutters. But have you ever stopped to think about how secure your padlock really is? If you are in the dark over padlock security ratings, and would like to find out more about the different types of padlock design to help you decide which is best for your needs, read on. (more…)

The Home Office says that older homeowners are at no more risk from crime than any other citizens. However, if you have elderly relatives or friends, you will naturally feel concerned about their safety at home, especially if they live alone. If you are keen to help protect your older loved ones, read on for some expert advice. (more…)