Day-in and day-out, we hear horror stories from our customers who almost got scammed by a scammer locksmith. Unfortunately, many times, people fall for the scams of these criminals.
Today, a very smart Calgary accountant did what we suggest everyone to do, think and refuse to pay. Mariya Savchyshyn owns a condo in Calgary and rents it out. She said her tenants asked her to replace their lock, and a Google search listed Locksmith Calgary at the top, so she called them without doing her searches to see that they are a scammer locksmith.
Finding out if a locksmith company is a scam is quite easy, here are a few simple steps from Terry Whin-Yates to catch them.
Tips from Terry Whin-Yates on spotting a locksmith scammer
- Do they provide unbelievably cheap pricing? The $29, $19, $39 dollar locksmith ads are a scam.
- Do they operate under different business names? Scammer locksmiths often run under different business names to shield their identity.
- Is their Google Maps location legitimate? Many locksmith scammers have their Google Maps locations out of gas stations, Starbucks locations, restaurants, or even a middle of a forest (we’ve seen it all). Pull up their location on Google street view and see where their address is, if it’s another business, it’s a fake. If it’s a house, it’s a scam. For example, the Locksmith Calgary scammer presents their address as 724 80 Ave SW, Calgary AB. This is a fake location.
Locksmith Calgary Scammer at 724 80 Ave SW
- Are they licensed? In British Columbia for example, you can check if a locksmith company is licensed or not by inputting their security license number into the following page – Security Licence Status Verification.
- Check their phone number! Copy their phone number into Google, does it appear in locations like Toronto and other provinces or states where the locksmith shouldn’t be? It’s a fake.
- Ask for the name of the business owner and a link to his or her biography, if the company is hesitant to provide the information of the owner of the company, stay away.
- Ask for ID and documentation. Do not let them start work without the company showing their security license, drivers license, insurance, and city business license. If they say “I don’t have it” or “I can send it to you later” or if it looks fake, refuse them doing the work, refuse to pay and send them away.
- If the locksmith gets aggressive or pushy with their tactics or if at any time you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, dial 911 immediately.
- Do they have a reputation? If you can’t find anything about them online such as a social media following or a clean track record, do not let them work on your property as they are most likely a locksmith scammer. Reputable locksmiths and locksmith business owners like Terry Whin-Yates, the owner of Mr. Locksmith and Mr. ProLock have a clean track record.
- Do they show up in an unmarked vehicle, or does their vehicle simply say “locksmith service” ? They are most likely a scam, do not allow them entry or to do any work on your property.
- Do they refuse to provide an invoice on the spot? Are there inflated or hidden charges? Refuse to pay and if they get aggressive, dial 911.
- Do they have a GST number on the invoice? Check if it’s legitimate here.
- Do they list their locksmiths on their website like on a team page with their name and pictures like we do with locksmith Vancouver? If not, you have to wonder why and what they’re hiding.
There are many more warning signs to catch a scammer locksmith. Just use your head and if you can’t determine if they’re fake or not, don’t use them!
One big warning sign which Mariya Savchyshyn should have caught onto was the fact that the scammer locksmith, Locksmith Calgary used the tenant’s phone to phone her. Why wouldn’t they use their own cell number? Because these scammer locksmith’s do not want repeat customers.
Scammer locksmiths such as locksmith Calgary operate on a one-hit basis. They scam you, and then they request an extreme amount of money and force you to pay. Because of the bad experience they provide, they don’t expect you to call back which is why they provide an illegitimate invoice with a fraudulent tax ID, a fake address and at often times as well, a fake phone number.
Thankfully, when the scammer locksmith called Mariya Savchyshyn to say that he’s done, she caught on. Locksmith Calgary refused to provide an itemized invoice for the inflated invoice which was triple the cost, $773.85 as per CBC.
“And I’m like, that’s weird, because usually the customer has to receive an invoice, look at it and then pay, right?” said Savchyshyn.
“I’m an accountant myself, and I know that no one is going to send me money until they see the invoice.”
When Savchyshyn refused to pay without knowing exactly what she was paying for — she says the company threatened to send the bill to a collection agency.
Terry Whin-Yates states that threats are common with scammer locksmiths. We’ve heard from people that the scammer locksmiths have gotten violent with violent threats, verbal threats, death threats and unfortunately much more.
“I just want to warn people because someone … might be scared because that company is scaring people by saying they’ll send them to collections,” she said.
“They might be scared and just pay $800 for a lock, it’s ridiculous.”
A scammer locksmith will have a hard time sending you to a legitimate collections agency. Collection agencies are not stupid, they will ask for supporting documentation which the scammer locksmiths will not have. Do not be fooled by the collection agency trick. If they do send you to collections, you can fight it by signing up to a low-cost service called LegalShield.
Company says invoices issued after payment
“Locksmith Calgary told CBC Calgary they don’t provide a billing service, even for larger companies, and require all payments be made before an invoice is issued.”
This should be an immediate red flag. No legitimate company issues an invoice after payment. We, for example always issue an itemized invoice before the customer pays, because that’s the correct way of doing business. If a customer has a question, we’re always there to answer that question.
It is ok to ask the locksmith who their credit card processor is for collecting payments. Credit card processors are the companies that collect your payment on behalf of the merchant and then provide the merchant with the funds. Names of some credit card processors are: Moneris, Square, Payfirma, Helcim, Stripe. If the locksmith doesn’t know or refuses to answer the question, refuse to pay. If they demand cash, refuse to pay.
“On their website, Locksmith Calgary lists their service call fee as $15 plus labour and hardware costs. A lock change is listed as $35 dollars and a lock re-key as $19.”
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Day-in and day-out, we hear horror stories from our customers who almost got scammed by a scammer locksmith. Unfortunately, many times, people fall for the scams of these criminals.
Today, a very smart Calgary accountant did what we suggest everyone to do, think and refuse to pay. Mariya Savchyshyn owns a condo in Calgary and rents it out. She said her tenants asked her to replace their lock, and a Google search listed Locksmith Calgary at the top, so she called them without doing her searches to see that they are a scammer locksmith.
Finding out if a locksmith company is a scam is quite easy, here are a few simple steps from Terry Whin-Yates to catch them.
Tips from Terry Whin-Yates on spotting a locksmith scammer
- Do they provide unbelievably cheap pricing? The $29, $19, $39 dollar locksmith ads are a scam.
- Do they operate under different business names? Scammer locksmiths often run under different business names to shield their identity.
- Is their Google Maps location legitimate? Many locksmith scammers have their Google Maps locations out of gas stations, Starbucks locations, restaurants, or even a middle of a forest (we’ve seen it all). Pull up their location on Google street view and see where their address is, if it’s another business, it’s a fake. If it’s a house, it’s a scam. For example, the Locksmith Calgary scammer presents their address as 724 80 Ave SW, Calgary AB. This is a fake location.
Locksmith Calgary Scammer at 724 80 Ave SW
- Are they licensed? In British Columbia for example, you can check if a locksmith company is licensed or not by inputting their security license number into the following page – Security Licence Status Verification.
- Check their phone number! Copy their phone number into Google, does it appear in locations like Toronto and other provinces or states where the locksmith shouldn’t be? It’s a fake.
- Ask for the name of the business owner and a link to his or her biography, if the company is hesitant to provide the information of the owner of the company, stay away.
- Ask for ID and documentation. Do not let them start work without the company showing their security license, drivers license, insurance, and city business license. If they say “I don’t have it” or “I can send it to you later” or if it looks fake, refuse them doing the work, refuse to pay and send them away.
- If the locksmith gets aggressive or pushy with their tactics or if at any time you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, dial 911 immediately.
- Do they have a reputation? If you can’t find anything about them online such as a social media following or a clean track record, do not let them work on your property as they are most likely a locksmith scammer. Reputable locksmiths and locksmith business owners like Terry Whin-Yates, the owner of Mr. Locksmith and Mr. ProLock have a clean track record.
- Do they show up in an unmarked vehicle, or does their vehicle simply say “locksmith service” ? They are most likely a scam, do not allow them entry or to do any work on your property.
- Do they refuse to provide an invoice on the spot? Are there inflated or hidden charges? Refuse to pay and if they get aggressive, dial 911.
- Do they have a GST number on the invoice? Check if it’s legitimate here.
- Do they list their locksmiths on their website like on a team page with their name and pictures like we do with locksmith Vancouver? If not, you have to wonder why and what they’re hiding.
There are many more warning signs to catch a scammer locksmith. Just use your head and if you can’t determine if they’re fake or not, don’t use them!
One big warning sign which Mariya Savchyshyn should have caught onto was the fact that the scammer locksmith, Locksmith Calgary used the tenant’s phone to phone her. Why wouldn’t they use their own cell number? Because these scammer locksmith’s do not want repeat customers.
Scammer locksmiths such as locksmith Calgary operate on a one-hit basis. They scam you, and then they request an extreme amount of money and force you to pay. Because of the bad experience they provide, they don’t expect you to call back which is why they provide an illegitimate invoice with a fraudulent tax ID, a fake address and at often times as well, a fake phone number.
Thankfully, when the scammer locksmith called Mariya Savchyshyn to say that he’s done, she caught on. Locksmith Calgary refused to provide an itemized invoice for the inflated invoice which was triple the cost, $773.85 as per CBC.
“And I’m like, that’s weird, because usually the customer has to receive an invoice, look at it and then pay, right?” said Savchyshyn.
“I’m an accountant myself, and I know that no one is going to send me money until they see the invoice.”
When Savchyshyn refused to pay without knowing exactly what she was paying for — she says the company threatened to send the bill to a collection agency.
Terry Whin-Yates states that threats are common with scammer locksmiths. We’ve heard from people that the scammer locksmiths have gotten violent with violent threats, verbal threats, death threats and unfortunately much more.
“I just want to warn people because someone … might be scared because that company is scaring people by saying they’ll send them to collections,” she said.
“They might be scared and just pay $800 for a lock, it’s ridiculous.”
A scammer locksmith will have a hard time sending you to a legitimate collections agency. Collection agencies are not stupid, they will ask for supporting documentation which the scammer locksmiths will not have. Do not be fooled by the collection agency trick. If they do send you to collections, you can fight it by signing up to a low-cost service called LegalShield.
Company says invoices issued after payment
“Locksmith Calgary told CBC Calgary they don’t provide a billing service, even for larger companies, and require all payments be made before an invoice is issued.”
This should be an immediate red flag. No legitimate company issues an invoice after payment. We, for example always issue an itemized invoice before the customer pays, because that’s the correct way of doing business. If a customer has a question, we’re always there to answer that question.
It is ok to ask the locksmith who their credit card processor is for collecting payments. Credit card processors are the companies that collect your payment on behalf of the merchant and then provide the merchant with the funds. Names of some credit card processors are: Moneris, Square, Payfirma, Helcim, Stripe. If the locksmith doesn’t know or refuses to answer the question, refuse to pay. If they demand cash, refuse to pay.
“On their website, Locksmith Calgary lists their service call fee as $15 plus labour and hardware costs. A lock change is listed as $35 dollars and a lock re-key as $19.”
Scammer Locksmiths: There are no $15-$25 Locksmiths, it is a Scam.
“While speaking with CBC Calgary, Locksmith Calgary couldn’t say why the bill was so high, but said they’d since agreed to lower it to $300.”
Shouldn’t a company know their invoices? This is a trick that scammer locksmiths like locksmith Calgary do. When approached by authorities or by a large media outlet like CBC Calgary, they start acting stupid. Mariya Savchyshyn should still dispute the charges with her credit card company and get the full sum back.
We’ve baited the scammer locksmiths before with the help of the media. Check out Terry Whin-Yates collaboration with CTV News with our undercover investigation on locksmith scammers.
Hi there, we’re CTV,” said McLaughlin, “Why are you charging $255? It’s not a difficult lock and it says 15 service call and $35 on the website.”
“And up,” said the locksmith, “It depends on the lock.”
“That’s an easy lock,” McLaughlin said.
“No, it’s not easy. Five pins, medium security,” he explains.
The locksmith showed McLaughlin his security license, which showed he’s a locksmith under supervision and then he called his boss.
“Why are you charging so much?” McLaughlin asked into the phone.
“It’s none of your business,” said the boss.
Here’s the thing about scammer locksmiths. They utilize a central call centre for lead generation services. When you call a scammer locksmith like locksmith Calgary, you’re not dealing with the actual locksmith that’s coming out to service your lock. These scammers pay these call centres around 20% for the lead and taking the call.
While the people in the call centre may seem nice, don’t be fooled, they’re not the ones coming out to work on your lock.
Terry Whin-Yates is a 3rd Generation Locksmith with a BA (Hons) Criminology. He has 35 years experience in the locksmith and security industry and is a locksmith trainer providing locksmith training to people and businesses all across North America. Terry Whin-Yates‘ BC Security License is B4227.
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For further information go to Mr. Locksmith
5.11 Best Boots for Hot Weather
Let’s talk about something that’s a little different today. Boots.
As locksmiths, we put in a lot of hours and so we’re constantly on our feet. We’re on our feet in all sorts of weather. Today we’re going talk about my 5.11 boots that I wear all the time. The 5.11 Tactile six inch Coyote boot. They’re water resistant. I promise, these boots are water proof because I’ve been in water in them and I still got my feet dry. These boots are over five years old. And I use them daily. I have two pairs of these boots, as I alternate them. I had to put in some inserts. They just seems to make your feet feel better. And they are super-comfortable.
Two of my 5.11 Best Boots for Hot Weather
I was heading to the Philippines and that place is hot and humid. It’s absolutely terrible on the feet. I’m not a flip flop person, because I like my feet protected so I can’t walk around with flip flops. These 5.11 Tactile six inch Coyote boots are meant for hot, humid, even desert environments. I wore these for almost ten weeks straight. Every single day, in the jungle, on the water, heading to little islands (if you saw, I was in McArthur Park where general McArthur landed). I went up the hill (a bunch of hills where they had to attack bunkers, Japanese-held bunkers). This 5.11 Tactile six inch Coyote boot what I had on my feet. Although I didn’t see any snakes, there’s lots of snakes there that are bad. But it was so hot, and these were absolutely fantastic. I wore them and so I thought next time I go down to Florida, Texas, I’m gonna be wearing these. These are my go-to boots now in the summer time. They’ve got this antibacterial stuff, and all sorts of bits and pieces. You can read about it online. These were super comfortable. I definitely recommend this. I’m heading back to Asia and I’m wearing these. I bought a second pair. I always like to alternate my shoes, so I’ll have these again, because they’re FANTASTIC.
5.11 Best Boots for Hot Weather 2
However, I think the only downside, when I jumped off of a boat into the salt water, I got both wet, and it didn’t take that. It took probably about four hours in the sun to dry ’em out. And it kinda pissed me off a little bit. It means that it’s not meant to go in the water. You’re gonna get wet feet if you do that. Nevertheless, for 99% of what I did, these were absolutely fantastic. The water resistance might not be that good but, they’re so comfortable I don’t wanna add anything to them. So, if anybody has any good ideas on a boot that’s good for super hot, humid, almost desert-y jungle conditions, that has some water resistance, I’d be really interested in knowing because that’s the only downside of these boots. Other than that, 99.9% absolutely fantastic. Super super comfortable. I liked it so much that I bought a second pair. And again, this is different and nothing to do with locksmithing, but we gotta have comfortable feet. I hope you enjoyed watching this video. Subscribe to my channel. Also visit my website and you can see what online locksmith training I have for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. As well as my covert methods of entry and my non-destructive methods of entry.
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver
Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882
Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907
Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008
Mr. Locksmith Automotive Locksmith: (604) 259-7617
For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training http://mrlocksmithtraining.com/
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For further information go to www.mrlocksmith.com
The customer was broken into in East Vancouver. The burglars just kicked the door in. Very common Break and Enter in Vancouver. You can see the door was broken and the cheap Off-Shore deadbolt just failed. Unfortunately, too many of these inexpensive deadbolts ($10-$45) are installed in Vancouver, sometimes on new condos and new buildings.
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver Hastings B&E Broken Door
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver Hastings B&E Broken Lock
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver Hastings Vancouver Special
Mike from Mr. Locksmith Vancouver rather than replace the door he installed a Mag Plate / Door Reinforcer (doubles the strength of the door) and a new Schlage Deadbolt (B660) with the Commerical Grade C123 Key and Cylinder. The Schlage Deadbolt is one of our favorite deadbolts.
We call this our Vancouver Special. The door frame did not need a 18″ Strike Plate installed on the door frame because it was metal.
Hastings East Pender and Commercial BnE repair
Call Mr. Locksmith for further information http://www.mrlocksmith.com/
or email: info@mrlocksmith.com
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver
Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882
Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907
Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008
Mr. Locksmith Automotive: (604) 259-7617
For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you by Terry Whin-Yates for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training
For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/
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For further information go to http://mrlocksmith.com/
Today, we are going to play with a 2017 Ford Fusion Energi. This thing is a hybrid. It uses a prox key. Also, it has a key override on the door, but I don’t think on the ignition. We’ll find out. We’ll go through everything, and we’ll play with it. We’re gonna show you how to open it. So just the traditional long reach tool. Now if you hit the electric lock, it’s not going to open on this model, so we just pull the door handle. And I always have the customer stand on the driver’s side. I always open up the car from the passenger side. Have the owner stand on the driver’s window. Have him look through it and have him help you. This just keeps him out of your hair so you can open up the car. Hitting the electric locks, not going to help. You have to pull the handle. And boom, off she goes. So pretty easy opening. If the car is dead and you can’t open it, you scan till pull out the physical key. Just gotta, you gotta depress, push it in, depresses. There we go. And then it just pulls off. So you have to put the key in properly. Put it on the top. 2017 Ford Fusion Energi, it’s a hybrid. Normal prox, easy to program in the proxes on the MVP. If you wanna cut the key, it’s an eight cut high security. We didn’t have a Lishi pick for it. We’re gonna get one if we have to pick it open. Again, very, very easy car to open. Just a simple long reach tool, but don’t hit the electric locks. Hit the handle, pull the handle to release it. And again, the key to get in if everything’s dead on the car, if you have this set, your customer has a set, they can pull out the key and physically open it up, remove the cap. Okay, so I hope that helps a little bit.
– Prox with Ford 8 cut High-Security key. Easy to add a key with the MVP Pro.
– Easy to open with a “Long Reach Tool” and Air Bags but you have to pull the handle to open.
– Key over-ride on the drivers’ door hidden in the handle.
Call Mr. Locksmith for further information http://www.mrlocksmith.com/
or email: info@mrlocksmith.com
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver
Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882
Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907
Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008
Mr. Locksmith Automotive: (604) 259-7617
For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you by Terry Whin-Yates for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training
For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/
]]>A mother scolded by a police sergeant for leaving her two young children in a sweltering SUV while she shopped for groceries in Vancouver won’t face charges, but the case has been turned over to children’s services.
A video of the visibly upset officer yelling at the woman as she stood beside her Lexus in a parking lot surfaced online Thursday.
“You don’t seem to understand the danger you put your children in,” he said to the woman as she stood with her arms crossed. “The windows were up – it’s hot out. Your children could have died.”
The cop can be heard telling the woman that a fire truck, an ambulance, and two police cars were called to the scene as a result of her actions. The officer also threatened to have the woman’s kids taken into protective custody after she appeared to argue with him.
“You don’t seem to understand what you’ve done,” he said before adding later, “What kind of parent are you?”
Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer told reporters Friday that the woman will not face charges but that the children’s ministry has been contacted. The children, a girl, 6, and a three-and-a-half-year-old boy, were left unattended for about 20 minutes while the mother shopped for groceries Monday afternoon, Palmer said.
Palmer said police received multiple 911 calls from citizens concerned about two children in distress left in a hot car. They arrived to find the car alarm going off.
The chief said the sergeant in the video is highly respected and has children of his own.
“He was trying to convey to that woman the seriousness of what she’d done with her children.”
In Edmonton, police announced a mother was charged after her baby had to be rescued from a hot car.
Police managed to get the eight-month-old girl out of the vehicle and she was sent to the hospital for treatment.
It was believed the infant was in the car for about 45 minutes on Thursday night. Her mother, 22, who told police she forgot the baby in the vehicle while meeting a friend for coffee, is charged with causing a child to be in need of intervention.
The inside of a previously air conditioned vehicle can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius in as little as 20 minutes of sitting in the summer sun, according to the Canada Safety Council. That’s well above the temperature for heat stroke.
Although there are no national statistics available in Canada, the U.S. reports that an average of 37 children die every year in hot cars, with the majority of them being under the age of three.
Vancouver police also cautioned pet owners against leaving their furry friends unattended inside parked vehicles after they were forced to break into a car to rescue a dog at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park earlier this week.
“Our message is don’t leave your pets or your kids in your vehicle when the weather is so hot,” Const. Anne-Marie Clark told CTV Vancouver. “Children should go without saying. Please take your children with you. Don’t leave them in the car. It’s too hot for everyone, pets or people.”
From CTV News
]]>Terry Whin-Yates will be talking about “Scammer Locksmiths in North America”
Some of the topics that will be covered:
- Why we are Losing the War with Scammer Locksmiths.
- Why the Scammers are doing so well.
- Why can the Scammer Charge $300 to $1000 per job and Locksmiths have a hard charging $100
- The Ineffectiveness of Government Locksmith Licensing.
- Locksmith Associations have a Poor Track Record of Tackling Scammer Locksmiths.
- What is Google doing to help and hinder locksmiths.
- Facebook Locksmiths getting screwed by Scammer Locksmiths.
- How to Protect Your Locksmith Company from Scammers.
- Changing Your Locksmith Business Model.
- Trade Mark and Copyright Protection.
- How to Shut Down or at Least Slow Down Scammer Locksmiths
Terry Whin-Yates is a 3rd Generation Locksmith with 25+ years as a locksmith experience and is a Criminologist with a Degree in Criminology (BA Hons) from Simon Fraser University. Also, Terry has 7000+ hours watched on his YouTube Channel per month.
5,000,000 + views YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith
See you at the Texas Locksmith Association Convention in Houston, Texas Thursday February 23, 2017 from 7pm-9pm.
The 53rd Texas Locksmiths Association Convention, Security Trade Show and Expo in Houston, Texas. The convention will be held at the Hilton Houston North Hotel, February 23-25, 2017.
Convention Hotel Hilton Houston North, 12400 Greenspoint Drive, Houston, Texas 77060
Scammer Locksmiths: There are no $15-$25 Locksmiths, it is a Scam.
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The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) recently published the list for Top Ten Articles of 2016 and Mr. Locksmith is in the Top Ten!
Terry Whin-Yates from Mr. Locksmith was giving a demonstration of opening a Sentry Safe in less than 5 seconds using a magnet it in a sock.
The “Locksmith opens $250 safe using a magnet in a sock” video went viral on YouTube and Socail Median and and in less than 5 days had One Million views.
Terry Whin-Yates Opens Sentry Safe with Magnet
JJason Payne, Photojournalist taking pictures, video and more research.
Terry Whin-Yates from Mr. Locksmith Open Safe Demo at the Kitilano Business Leaders Meetup
Top Selling Line of Sentry Safes can be Opened in 1.63 seconds!
Sentry Safe
For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous Dumb Key Force Tool that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training.
For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to Mr. Locksmith.
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For further information go to Mr. Locksmtih
- Lock Your Doors
- Rekey your Locks
- Alarm System
- Security Guard or Runner Service
- CCTV (Cameras)
- No Cash on Premises
- Fire Safes and Burglar Safes
- Gun Safe
- Facebook and Social Media
- Mark and Engrave all Your Valuables
Hi I’m Terry Whin-Yates from Mr. Locksmith, and this is the top 10 security tips for securing your business during the holidays
Lock your doors. It’s amazing how many businesses are unlocked after employees leave or you leave. The crooks are shake, walking around, shaking the doors, seeing what’s open. It’s amazing how many businesses are unlocked at night. So lock your doors, secure your windows, and check it make sure everything. It’s amazing how many people do not lock their doors during the holidays or during any time of the year.
Rekey your Locks: When you’re re-keying your locks, it’s a good time to go to a restricted or high-security key and lock system. When you use these systems like Abloy, Medeco, Primus, what happens is the keys are restricted and only for sale at the locksmith’s. You’re not going to be able to walk into the local hardware store with a Medeco key and get it cut by that local hardware store or the shoemaker who cuts keys. When you stamp do not copy or do not duplicate on a common key like Schlayge, Schlage, Kwikset, or Weiser, it’s a waste of time. The local hardware stores have those key blanks, and the little shoemakers on the corner, they will cut those keys. Do not copy, do not duplicate stamped on a key is a waste of time. You have a high-security restricted key blank, they are never ever sold to the local hardware store, or the Home Depots, or anybody except for locksmiths who are security cleared and qualified. They are the only ones with those restricted keys. So get a high-security restricted key system. When you give it to staff, if when they leave or whatever, when they hand you back that key, you know they have not had that cut anywhere.
Mr. Locksmith
is an ABLOY® Protec Authorized Dealer
Alarm systems are not the big deterrent anymore, they were 10, 15, 20 years ago. You could put a alarm sticker on your business, and the crooks wouldn’t bother with your business. However now they’re breaking in. They don’t care. They’re gonna get in quick and get out. But you still need alarm system. The alarm system will scare them off, or at least them know it’s time to go. Alarm systems should be monitored, they’re not as expensive as they used to be. You can get a good quality alarm system and monitored for a very fair price. When it’s monitored the police never show up. No matter what they tell you, unless you’re in a small town, in any of the major cities, a alarm on a business or a home, that’s called into the police is a low low priority. They’re so busy they’re not gonna go out. If you wanna be really secure, you have your monitoring station then contact security guard company or a runner service that when the alarm goes off, for a small fee, they show up at the business, they look inside check the doors. If you’ve been broken into, they call the police. The police will respond to a security guard or a runner service saying in progress or it’s been broken into. They will show up. So a alarm system with a runner service is the way to go.
CCTV: Cameras will not stop break-ins. However they are good for an investigative aid for the police after the fact. And a lot of times these burglars, these criminals are hitting business after business. When the police have video to view, then they have some evidence to tie them to the crime. So it’s an investigative aid. Again it won’t stop crime, but it’s great for the police to use, or even yourself when you’re viewing the video. Sometimes you’re amazed its a former staff, current staff, or someone you know. It’s always amazing when you’re looking at the video and you go, oh shoot I know who they are.
No Cash on Premises: If you have a retail business or a restaurant, take your empty till at the end of the night, and put that till drawer and put it at the front door, if you can look inside. Put it on the floor, put it against the door, say no cash on premises. It is amazing how many businesses leave money in the till. They think oh you have the change, you have a few bills, there’s still usually 20 or 100 bucks which makes a crack-head or a meth-head happy. Take your till, empty it, put it by the front door. Show no cash on premises. That is just amazing. That will slow down the criminals. They have to really want to come in.
Fire safes and Burglar safes are two different things. A fire safe will protect your business records. A burglary safe will protect your valuables and cash. If you’re paying under $300 for a safe, it’s not a burglary safe. Good quality burglary safes are expensive and they’re rated as burglary safes. Too many businesses are going to the local store, buying a inexpensive fire safe, and then throwing money or jewelry in it. It’s amazing what I see inside some of these fire safes. If you’ve seen my other videos, you know the inexpensive safes, fire safes, shouldn’t even call them safes, are super easy to open. And with a crowbar or a large screwdriver, they pop left right center. Don’t put a fire safe to protect your valuables. Realize fire safe is for protecting documents from fire. Get a burglary safe. There’s lots of information on my website and other places to get good quality burglary resistant safes.
Terry Whin-Yates Opens locked safe
Gun Safe: One thing that’s overlooked is a gun safe for your business. Gun safes are big, they’re not that expensive, and you don’t have to put guns in them. They’re huge container that’s very secure, even an inexpensive gun safe. Have that tucked away in the back and put some of your valuables in there. You’re gonna slow down the burglars. They’re gonna get into it, but it just slows them down. Gun safes are fantastic for large items or just a lot of little stuff that’s not really expensive, but you don’t wanna lose. Anchor the gun safe to the floor or the wall or both.
Facebook and Social Media: Be careful. When you go on vacation and you’re putting postings, we’re closed ’cause we’re going to Hawaii, you’re telling every burglar in town that your the business is, no one’s there, you’re gonna be away, they can see how long you’re gonna be away for. I know it’s difficult. We all love our social media, like to post pictures of you on the beach to the people in 40 below with snow, but be careful with your social media, what you’re posting. ‘Cause they’re gonna know the business is closed, you’re away, and also know your home is, you’re not at home either. So be careful with social media, what you post, especially when your extended vacations are away.
So I hope these top ten, I added a little bit more, security tips to securing your business during the holiday seasons has been good and lots of information for you. So I wanna wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training
For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/
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1- Lock Your Car
2- No gifts in plain site
3- Car Alarm
4- Parking Lights or no lights?
5- Don’t leave your keys in the car while it is running
6- Use a steering‐wheel lock
7- Have a photo copy of your insurance, registration in the car and black out your home address. Have the real copy in the truck or locked away.
8- Get a car tracker GPS
9- Don’t leave spare keys hanging on the wall at home
10- *Engrave everything, take pictures and serial numbers
I want wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Hi, I’m Terry Whin-Yates from Mr. Locksmith. I have here for you the top 10 security tips for securing your car or truck during the holiday season.
Lock Your Car: The first thing you should always do is lock your vehicle. It is amazing how many times you can walk through a parking lot, and see how many cars and trucks are unlocked.
Parking: When you’re shopping, don’t park way in the back, park with the crowd, usually the shopping parking lots are full anyways at the mall. Park where everybody else is parking,
Christmas Shopping Bags in the car: Do not put your Christmas Shopping bags where they are visable inside your car where people can see it. I’m amazed, I’m walking through the parking lot, and there’s gifts, the bags. I personally have a friend who had his engagement ring stolen out of his truck, ’cause he went there with all those loads, put the bags in his truck, everybody could see it, and he got broken into, and walked away with an expensive engagement ring. That’s an extreme case, but walk through the mall, you see everybody’s got everything out there. I even saw from a Louis Vuitton purse, a brand new one, with the price tag still on it, sitting in the passenger’s seat, I just thought, oh, they’re just dyin’ to get that stolen. Don’t put your holiday gifts where everybody can see ’em. Don’t put your holiday gifts out where everybody can see it who walks by your car. Lock it in the trunk. If you got a hatchback or whatever, cover it up, so they can’t see what’s in the back.
Parking under Lights: When it comes to parking, they always say park under the light. I don’t know, there’s nothing to show that parking under a light or parking in the dark is any better. Sometimes when you park under a light, it makes it easier for the burglar to see what’s inside, so when you’re parked in the dark part, you may feel better parking under the light, but the crooks can’t see what you got inside your car. So when they say park under a light, there’s no proof either way that that works. If anything, we think it makes it easier for the crooks to see what’s in your car and steal your car. So when you park, under a light, without a light, eh, the jury’s still out on that one.
Terry Whin-Yates – Mr. Locksmith
Steering wheel locks. I love these on a car because when you’ve got that lock on a steering wheel, the burglars, the car thieves, just walk on. I know it’s difficult to steal a new car, ’cause we have transponders and chips in the keys. So a lot of the newer vehicles you just can’t steal. However, they still try. Some of the more stupid crooks, even though you got a brand new car, they still think they can jam a screwdriver in that ignition and steal your car. You got a thousands of dollar bill because you’ve got some idiot crook trying to steal your car with a transponder chip. Put a steering wheel lock on it, they’re just gonna leave it alone. So it’s a pain to put on and off, but if you wanna really secure your car, put a steering wheel lock on the steering wheel. Either the cheap $10 ones or the $150 ones. They’re all effective as a visual deterrent for them stealing your car.
Alarm systems. I bought a brand new car, I thought it had an alarm system, we got broken into, nothing went off. So I finally, I lowered the windows, hit the alarm button, opened the door, nothing happened. I couldn’t believe it. Make sure your alarm system works before you get broken into. So just do a simple test, lock it with the windows down, reach through, open up the door, see if the alarm goes off. If your car doesn’t have an alarm, alarm systems are very, very inexpensive to add to your vehicle right now. So get an alarm system installed in your car. That little flashing light inside, that’s a good deterrent as well, they see that. I always have my installer put it so everybody can see that light flashing so they know I have an alarm system.
GPS: If you have a luxury car or classic or something you just like, these new GPS locators are great. So if they steal your car, if they use a tow truck or if they get a key and they steal your car, you can at least locate your car pretty quick. Extra keys, don’t leave extra keys in your car, or hanging on the wall at home, or hanging on the wall at the office. When a burglar breaks into your house, he sees the keys, he steals your keys, he’s got your car. Cars are simple to get into. No matter what you do, the car’s gonna be easy to open. However, if you got a key in there, they open it up, they look under the mat, they look under the visor, and there’s the spare key, they drive your car away. Don’t have spare keys in your car. I live in a city that has very, very high theft from vehicles. The crackheads, the meth heads, breaking into my car or truck, they’re usually getting the change out of the ashtray.
Insurance and Ownership Papers: One of the big problems you have as well is in your glove box, is your registration and your insurance papers. They are stealing those important papers, one, sometimes they find extra keys in your car, then they go hit your house, that happens a lot. They break into the car, there’s a set of keys, they have your registration with your home information on there, or more identification for identification theft, they take that information, they use it against you. I have a photocopy of my registration, and a photocopy of my insurance, and it’s been blacked, my personal information except for my name, my address, phone number, and other information is blacked out on that photocopy. So if they get in, get my information out of the glove box, they only got a photocopy and they don’t know where I live. Even when you get pulled over, you give the police officer your photocopies and your real driver’s license, I’ve never been asked to show the real copies, because they have the important information there. However, you should have the information in the trunk of your car or secured somewhere else that you can give them right away.
Engrave: People are forgetting some basics we used to do years ago, and it’s a good thing to do again. Engrave your VIN information on your car wherever possible. On your stereo system, on your wheels, everywhere, engrave your VIN. I know there’s secret VIN’s on a lot of the vehicles, there’s the VIN’s you can see everywhere, and there’s some secret VIN’s, however, your wheels very rarely have the VIN on it. Put your VIN, engrave it on there. It’s simple, easy to do, if you have a classic car, or an expensive car, or you put on expensive wheels, have that information on, engrave it right on there. Get a Dremel, get a Buzz Bum, get whatever, you can etch it, you can do all sorts of things. The engravers work the best, like the little vibrating engravers because even when they file it off, you can still see the numbers. Or get it stamped. You got expensive wheels, put in your vin on the wheels. When they’re stolen, and if they get, if you’re lucky enough to get recovered, you can positively identify it by the VIN. Plus when the police find bits and pieces of your car, if it’s got the VIN on it, you can at least maybe recover it or it makes them able to get a charge against the car thieves.
I hope you enjoyed the top 10 security tips for securing your car during the holiday season.
I want wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Note: If you get locked out of your car or lose your keys during the Holidays call Mr. Locksmith Automotive.
Terry Whin-Yates – Mr. Locksmith
I hope you enjoyed watching this video. Subscribe to my channel. Also, visit my website and you can see what online locksmith training I have for beginners, intermediate, and advanced, as well as my covert methods of entry, and my non-destructive methods of entry.
For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training
For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/
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