As local locksmiths in Hampstead, here’s something we notice constantly in our Hampstead callouts… some of the most expensive homes in the area still have surprisingly weak front door security. This is not happening only in Hampstead but also in North West London (and maybe in the UK). And we are always wondering.. why wouldn’t you invest in security? If you need to protect your valuable asset or your family, this would be the first move. But not everyone thinks the same.
Most Hampstead Homeowners Need To Upgrade Their Security To Protect Their Home
Sometimes we are in real shock when we are called to open doors as emergency locksmiths, and you walk into a property with designer lighting, polished concrete floors or £20,000 worth of renovations… Or maybe you can notice from a distance designer bags, branded clothes and furniture and expensive details, but when you look at the actual lock protecting the entrance, you get a really basic cheap lock and that’s it.
More than that, sometimes it’s even worse – the lock sometimes does not function as it should, and the homeowner is just postponing the job, hoping that it’s not a big deal. Well, we just want to leave here a reminder: sometimes it can cost a lot – maybe your entire life savings – if you don’t fix it at the right time.
More than that, we are sure that after you have been burglarised, you won’t care how much you spend; you just want the best security and to be safe. So, we are wondering, why would you wait until there’s a stuck door lock, a loose night latch or an old cylinder to do something about your lock? You don’t have to wait until the lock has real issues. A locksmith can identify your weak spots and can help you prevent a potential lock issue. More than that, sometimes it’s not even a lock – the issue might be the timber frame or the cheap hardware that has been fitted 20 years ago..
Invest In Security For Your Peace Of Mind
Most times, as locksmiths, when we are doing assessments on expensive properties, the security is the weakest part of the entire property. It’s a shame that people invest so much in finishes or furniture but don’t take care of their security and access inside the house. In our opinion, it is mandatory to prevent unauthorised access to your place and having a reliable locking system makes more sense than investing in other details first.
So, if you are wondering why some of your neighbours are using expensive locks like Banham on their main door, definitely, that’s one of the reasons. We know that Banham locks are quite popular in areas like Hampstead, St John’s Wood, or Primrose Hill, and it’s not just because they look good on Victorian houses. Sometimes it’s also because the homeowner understands that investing in security is an important step to take when owning a property. And we can confirm from experience that most burglars usually look for the easiest property to get into, and not necessarily the richest one. If your place has a weak lock, that’s a potential place to break into.
Most Burglaries Are About Opportunity
After watching many movies about break-ins, people often imagine burglars carefully planning complicated break-ins for days. But, from what we have noticed while attending the jobs, many are simply checking vulnerable entrances and weak doors. Their preferred properties where entry looks quick and quiet, maybe have locks installed badly, or they have only a basic lock installed with no important features. So, in our opinion, stronger locks matter. Nobody can guarantee that they won’t enter if you have stronger locks, but at least it is not going to be an easy and fast job.
A good lock can give you some time to catch them as the security features create a delay. They would need power tools to break them, and it will be noisy. We’ve attended many jobs in Hampstead where neighbouring properties were targeted, while the stronger entrance nearby was left alone completely. If you are asking us, that was not luck, it was psychology and a hard job. They are definitely into getting in easier instead of wasting time and risking being caught while drilling a strong lock with anti-drilling and anti-picking features.
Why Banham Locks Became So Popular in Wealthier Areas
Of course, there are several security locks available from different brands, but one of the most popular options out there is Banham. Banham locks are really popular in London’s more expensive neighbourhoods for a reason – they feel strong, offer key control and look better than most of the locks out there. They are already a symbol of the classic London doors, as most of these locks have Banham locks fitted.
Many of the homeowners know that a strong front door setup would help them protect their expensive watches, jewellery or art in the long term. They aren’t trying to buy “the best lock” in NW3, but they are trying to avoid becoming the easiest target on the street.
Are Banham Locks The Best?
Even if Banham locks are a great option when it comes to a strong, good lock, Banham locks can’t guarantee that you are invincible with your lock.
There are several issues that can make your front door weak, even if it has a Banham lockset installed properly:
- The frame is weak
- Hinges are poor
- Glass panels are vulnerable
- The rear entrance is exposed
- The side gate is insecure
Another important aspect of security you have to know is that if you wish to have the best option when it comes to a lock, you need several types of locks or mechanisms installed. Also, you need to take into account that in order to have a good set-up, besides a proper lock fitting, you also need strong frames, good lighting, sensible access control and reinforced weak points.
A locksmith would be able to perform a professional security assessment and would suggest to you what the issue with your location is and what the burglars test. NW Locksmith is always prepared to help with any security issue and to provide advice as soon as you need assistance.
The Biggest Security Mistake We See In Hampstead Homes
Another important issue when it comes to security issues and happens most times is when homeowners spend a fortune renovating their property and then choose to install an expensive Banham lock, but won’t change the original weak timber frame. An important issue would be if the door has dropped a bit because there are surely problems with the alignment. So, even a good lock that is not fitted ok is still a security problem. So, if there is a movement in the door or poor alignment, don’t be surprised if you have a failing mechanism with damaged internal parts.
If any of the following applies: “You have to lift the handle slightly.”, “The key sticks sometimes.” or “It’s been difficult for a while.”, you should be calling a locksmith fast and ask for door lock repairs. Also, weak cylinders sticking out too far, badly fitted night latches or cracked frames hidden under fresh paint can generate many door lock problems.
Why Some Homeowners Replace Their Banham Locks
There are several reasons to replace any type of lock, not just Banham locks. Usually, a lock change has something to do with life changes or people from the outside. For example, you have to change lock in case you lose your key. Another important reason would be if a tenant moves out or you wish to limit access to someone who used to have it. More than that, if you have employees or contractors, most likely you need to book a lock change when their contract with you is finished.
Moreover, if a burglary happens nearby in the area, you must take precautionary measures and upgrade your security fast. What we’ve noticed is that in places like Hampstead and St John’s Wood, homeowners usually call earlier and don’t wait until a burglary is happening or their lock fails. A proactive mindset can help you skip a lot of security emergencies and will help you sleep better at night.
Types Of Properties Where Lock Change Is Common
Most lock change requests are coming from people that just moved to a new place or are staying just temporarily. So, we get to change locks more often in rental properties, Airbnb flats, inherited homes or newly purchased houses. This is happening especially in Hampstead or NW London in general. Here, properties often change hands quietly, and keys circulate for years without people thinking much about it.
Should You Upgrade Your Lock?
If your key catches regularly, the lock feels rough, or you’ve had security concerns recently, maybe you should think about changing or upgrading your lock. Sometimes it’s a lock issue (maybe the lock is outdated), other times your door has shifted. Regardless of the issue, the outcome can be an emergency locksmith service, and we are sure you don’t want to be part of that.
The most important thing to avoid an emergency lockout is to notice any small issues with your lock. This way you’ll avoid being outside that one night when the key suddenly stops turning completely.
All lockouts usually happen at the worst possible time – late evening, bad weather, the baby or the dog is inside, or maybe the phone battery is dying. That’s the reality of locksmith emergencies, and nobody wants to be part of it. Usually, prevention can stop most of the lockout cases.
Book NW Locksmith If You Need a Banham Locksmith in Hampstead
Whenever you need a fast locksmith for your Banham lock in NW London, don’t hesitate to contact NW Locksmith. Our locksmiths are fully equipped and ready to provide Banham lock repairs, lock replacement, lock upgrades, emergency entry, and security upgrades fast. We work around the clock in North West London, and here are the most popular areas where we can attend:
- Hampstead
- St John’s Wood
- Maida Vale
- Primrose Hill
- Belsize Park
- Camden
- Kilburn
- Marylebone
Don’t hesitate to reach out if your Banham lock is stiff or jammed. Also, you must change your lock if it’s damaged after an attempted break-in or simply no longer feels secure. We can assess the door properly and recommend the most suitable solution around the clock. Get in touch anytime!
