Holiday Season Safety

The holiday season is fast approaching. Thanksgiving is less than a week away, which means the biggest shopping day is 1 week away. Soon after that the packages start arriving and Christmas is here.
This can be one of the happiest times of the year or you can be hit by a package thief.
Last year there was video after video after video on social media catching package thieves in the act.
Here are some safety tips to prepare for this holiday season:

• Install cameras- Getting cameras help you know when a package was delivered, and if any one does try to take the package, you are notified right away and have the whole thing recorded. You do not have to have the CCTV systems to protect your home. There are many different options out there that work just as great.  For our business, we cant keep our Wire free cameras in stock, they are going quick. A lot of people want something easy to use, easy to install, and easy to keep up.
• Have it arranged to be signed for. That way the postman, UPS, or Fedex do not just leave the package. 
• If you miss them too many times they have you call or can come down to the facility and pick it up. 

Another problem that seems to happen more during this time than the rest of the year is break ins.
The biggest tip to prevent that from happening would be to just keep your windows and doors locked at all times. Seems simple, I know, but so many times we are in a hurry or our hands are full. We simple just forget. Opportunity is a huge thing for most burglars. If you do not give them the opportunity they will simply move on.

If you have any questions on upgrading your security needs please feel free to give us a call. 702-564-5397

Have a great and safe Holiday season!
-Gene's Lock and Security

Sticky locks?

We have a lot of customers call or come in and ask what the best thing to do for locks when the inside gets dirty or they want to make it easier for the lock to turn.
Using WD40 or any other type of grease in your lock is bad. That includes Graphite Powder.

I did a quick search on how to fix a sticky lock. I am actually very surprised that first thing I saw was an article that said to use WD40. That is a good way to mess up your locks. Please ask a locksmith on how to fix the lock rather than trusting what you see on google.

If your lock is locking up or is dirty you can use a lubricant that is greaseless.

Call us for any questions you may have! We are happy to help! 702-564-5397

Tips and Tricks for Halloween

Halloween is one of the best times of the year but it can be a dangerous holiday.
From Ghost and Goblins to real life Monsters, You never know what you are going to run into on Halloween.
Here is a couple tips to keep your child safe this Halloween


If your child is old enough to go alone
-Make sure they go in groups. There is safety in numbers.
-Know what neighborhood they are going in and who they are going with,
-Cell phone charged and with them. Most teenagers have a cell phone, make sure it is charged and they bring it with them.

If you are supervising Trick or Treating
-Get glow stick necklaces or bracelets. Having a glow stick helps cars see the children in the dark, and helps you keep an eye on them. It can also help identify them if you lose sight of them in a big group.
-Put reflective tape on the candy bags. This also helps so cars can see them when its dark.
-Plan out the route you guys are planning to take and designate a meeting place in case someone gets separated.
-Taking pictures on Halloween night is a great way to save memories but keep the phone down while out and about. If you aren't fully paying attention to your surroundings or which way your child went, accidents can happen.
-Check your child's candy. Growing up I always thought this was a way for my parents to pick out the best candy, but now I know that you never know what you are getting from strangers.

If you are passing out candy
-Keep the path to the door clear. Its always fun to have it all decorated but keep things off the path, so no one trips and falls.
-Keep it lighted. You can make it fun with fun Halloween lights but keeping the pathway lighted and your door way lighted will help make for a safe and fun Halloween
-Make sure the candy you are passing out is safe and not tampered with.


Its better to be safe than sorry on Halloween

Is adding extra deadbolts to your door more secure or a little excessive?

Is adding extra deadbolts to your door more secure or a little excessive? Sure adding a second deadbolt will feel like you are a little more secure than just having one but there are better options out there.

Changing out your basic deadbolt to a higher security deadbolt. Most residential and Commercial properties have either a Kwikset or a Schlage lock. You will want to update your grade 3 lock to a grade 1. Our Grade 1 lock is a Mul t Lock deadbolt. Mul-T-Lock deadbolts are the best resistance to bumping, picking and forced entry techniques.

Adding longer screws to the frame helps prevent getting your door kicked in. On most residential homes they just use small screws to attach the plate to the frame. That does the purpose of keeping the plate on the door frame but that is about it. By adding longer screws you are attaching the plate to the door frame and attaching it all to the stud in the wall. Most of the time, when an intruder kicks in your door and get through its from the frame breaking.

Another thing we mention to our customers when they ask what they can do to prevent a kick in is to install a Chain and Flip lock. They are added protection and work great with the longer screws in the frame. They screw into the door frame where the plate for your door knob goes and then goes over the knob.

Call us today to help make your door more secure.
702-564-5397

Thinking about getting cameras?

In most of our blog post you read about how cameras are a good deterrent, and how we highly recommend getting cameras for your home.

Well this post is all about our cameras.

Recently one of our customers shared with us footage from the cameras we installed. The footage showed a person trying to get in their backyard just after 1 am. You can hear what was said and you can see the intruder. Luckily she was caught before anything was taken or damaged. Unfortunately for others in that neighborhood they weren't that lucky. The same people who tried to get stuff from our customers home already stole stuff from houses right next door. Those people did not have cameras.



More information about our cameras:
Completely wire free.
Runs off of 2 AA lithium batteries and your homes WiFi.
Viewed on your smart phone.
Get alerts right to your phone when there is motion.
Set certain days and times to have the motion alarm on or set it manually.
10 cameras on one hub. 

1 year warranty with our company.
Works great in all weather conditions.

Contact one of our team members to get a quote or hear more! 702-564-5397




Visit our Facebook page to watch the footage our customer shared with us.
https://www.facebook.com/EgisNV/

Things to know before getting your car key duplicated

We have a lot of customers come in to the shop to get a copy of their car key but are taken back when they hear the price. That's because their key is a Transponder key.

Things to know about Transponder keys:
1. A Transponder key is a key that has a chip. That chip has to be programmed to the car. If it is not programmed to the car, the car will not start.

2. They add some extra security to the car. It makes it harder to get the key duplicated. We have to have the car there to do the programming. So not just any one can take your keys and get a copy.

3. Most cars have a Transponder key. To determine if your key is a transponder key call us at 702-564-5397. We just need your year, make and model.

4. Most customers get this confused with the alarms. A basic Transponder key could like just like this:

For most cars the key with the remote head can be purchased.

5. Mechanical keys are available but all they will do is open your doors.

Give us a call at 702-564-5397 if you have any questions regarding your keys.

Meet our Team!

Gene's Lock and Security has many years of experience, 38 to be exact.

Steve and Stephanie are the president and vice president of the company. Steve grew up in the lock and security business. His father owned a company in Montana and his first car was a work truck. Stephanie and Steve had one of the largest Locksmith companies in Montana before moving to Henderson, NV.
They owned EGIS here in Henderson before owning Gene's Lock and Security. Contrary to popular beliefs, these bosses actually enjoy getting their hands dirty when it comes to making customers wants, needs, and security dreams come true!

Our Techs:
Mark, Ron and Terry have great experience in the industry. Each tech is equipped with servicing any and all needs our customers have, and are always excited to learn more as things evolve. Our motto is:
Your security is our top priority, and these guys do a great job making sure that happens. Our techs show up with smiles on their faces ready to tackle any job!

               Our Dispatch:

Carrie and Catie are the girls in the office. You will see them in the shop cutting keys and helping customers. They are also the ones you will talk to when you call the office. They are always here to help with any questions you have to make any transaction, big or small, effortless and pleasant!




We love what we do and it shows everyday. We take pride in our customer service skills and in providing the best locksmith services in the greater Las Vegas and Henderson areas!

Do you know what to do after a break in?

Each week you read about how to protect your family and home, but what are you supposed to do after a break in?

We put together a list of things to do when experiencing a break in.

1.           Do not enter your home. 

·        If you come home and you see signs of a break in, turn back around and call the police.

·        Wait down the block, away from harm, until the police arrive.

·        Do not approach or try to stop the intruders

2.     Write everything down

·        Number of intruders

·        Age range

·        Height

·        Race

·        Clothing

·        Which direction they went in

           If you have a security camera at your home let the police officers know. 

           The security footage could help identify the intruder(s).

2.           Once the police arrive and you file the police report

·        Call your insurance company, as flustered as you may be, taking care of this is an important step.

      4.  Identify the security weak points

·        Find out where and how the intruder accessed your home. 

·        Once you find out where the access point was, you can strengthen it.

·        Check other points of access to your home also, see if anything else needs to be adjusted.

It’s never too late to take the steps of protecting your home and family. 

We'd be happy to help with any of your security needs or answer any questions Your Security is our top priority. 

Call us today 702-564-5397 to speak to one of our experienced team members. 

4 Types of Burglars

Since every burglar is not the same, we put together a list of the 4 most common types and how to deter them. 

The delinquent-  This type of burglar will not break down a door or smash a window. They like the easy jobs, the unlocked door, and opened windows. Once in your home they look for something easy and quick to steal. This is the most common burglar. They range from juveniles - young adults.

How to deter a delinquent- Keep your doors and windows locked, this extends to your car as well. This is the type of burglar that walks up and down the street checking car doors as they walk by. Camera systems and bright lighting almost always deters this type of burglar as they do not want to get caught and they are not experienced enough to get around the camera.

The opportunist- This type of burglar has more experience than the delinquent and has the motivation. They will take advantage of your open windows, unlocked doors and once in your home, they look for several things with value. You may have seen them around the neighborhood as they wait for the opportunity to enter your home.

How to deter an opportunist- Again, always lock your windows and doors. Install a deadbolt and alarms on your windows as it adds extra protection and don't leave your valuables out in plain sight.

The prowler- These burglars started out as an opportunist and have been promoted to prowler. You may have seen them going door to door as a sales person or wanting to clean your carpets. They will keep in mind which house someone answered and what times someone did not. 

How to deter a prowler- Keep the sales pitch to outside your home. This gives them no opportunity to see what you have in your living room and always keep your door closed while speaking with them. Installing a camera system will give you the ability to always have eyes on your home. 

The professional- This is a burglar that has years of experience. They know exactly what they are doing and know what they want to steal. They are very careful and premeditate their break ins. These burglars work more commercial and high end properties such as convenience stores, banks, and businesses. The chances of a professional burglar targeting a home is very low.

How to deter a professional-  A good alarm and camera system. They may be a professional, but even the most professional burglar can still be caught.

Call us today to talk to one of our team members about your options to protect your home. We have many different options to fit your needs.

Back to School Safey

It's that time of the year again when children head back to school and the parents celebrate. With all the celebrating, safety is still a topic most parents worry about. We picked what we considered to be the top safety tips to help you stay safe this school year. 

• Plan a safe route home- If your child walks home, or walks from the bus stop home, plan out a route for them to take. This way you'll know which way they walk and you can avoid dangerous areas, walk this route or drive this route with them a few times so they will be able to know it by memory. If your neighborhood  has no sidewalk area, have them walk on the left side of the street, this way they can see oncoming cars. If your child listens to music or plays on their phone while walking home, explain to them the importance of paying attention to your surroundings. Remind your child that telling you when they leave school, are halfway to home, and when they arrive home via text or phone calls is a great way to keep track of them.

• Stranger Danger- It is highly important to teach children about Stranger Danger. Even if the stranger seems friendly, offers them a gift, or a ride home, they should never accept the offer and yell Stranger Danger as well as run in the opposite direction. This will alert others around them that there is a threat and most often will result in 911 being contacted. Have a secret phrase or word set up between your child and a few other relatives or people who are close with your child so they know that the person is safe to trust. It is also important to teach your child who to go to for help, and who they can trust, such as a police officer, school official, or other parents with children. 

• Habits of locking the door- Making sure your child knows the importance of locking the deadbolt the moment they close the door is a great habit to teach. Have them lock the door they enter to the house the moment they close it and check the remaining doors to ensure they are closed before they start their homework. Also, make sure they know to never open the door for strangers or let anyone know they are home alone. Most kids are very trusting and will open the door for the mailman or the delivery man. If your child is left alone for a length of time, teach them to look through the peephole, rather than the window to see who is at the door and not to respond when someone yells through the closed door for them to open the door.

• Camera systems- These are great for all types of security but the comfort of seeing your child arrive home every day takes the cake. Our security system is activated by motion, so if you install one of the cameras at the front door you can see the moment they come home. This is great for those times they forget to call you and let you know they made it home safely. 

Give us a call today, any of our team members would be happy to help you with your security needs! 

5 Safety tips for living alone

Living alone can make you feel a little uneasy. We put together a list of safety tips to help you feel comfortable in your home. These tips can help everyone from people with families, to living alone or even with roommates.

1. Adopt a pet- Adopting a pet has multiple advantages, Dogs make great deterrents against burglars. Burglars do not want to go into a house that has a loud barking dog or one they might get bit by. They also make great companions so you won't always feel that you are home alone. 

2. Know your neighbors- You don't have to go to their Sunday BBQ but getting to know them can help protect you and your home. If they know you live alone, they are more likely to call the police when they see something suspicious. 

3. Keep your cell phone charged- Have you ever seen the movie "The Strangers"? Well if you have you will know that the main character notices her cell phone is dead right as she is calling for help. Most households do not have a land line so keeping your cell phone charged is highly important. Your cellphone can also be used as a flashlight to help in other situations. 

4. Lock up- Seems like a pretty easy tip, but once you start getting comfortable in your home you will tend to leave a door unlocked. For some burglars having a door locked will turn them away. They don't want to put too much work into it as it draws attention or is time consuming. Having the deadbolt engaged will keep potential threats away. 

5. Home Security System- All these tips are going to help keep you safe, but this is the most important. We offer a home security system that is completely wire free and you can monitor everything straight from your phone. The camera system acts as an alarm also, and will alert you when something is setting off motion. You can view the cameras whenever you would like right from your phone. It also records motion and saves it in the cloud. This system has lots of great features. If you would like some more information, one of our team members would be happy to help you.

As always your safety is our top priority! Please give us a call if you have any questions about your home security!

The Good, better and best of deadbolts

When purchasing your next deadbolt consider the difference in Grades and how they may affect the safety of your home.



Grade 3 deadbolt- This is the deadbolt on most residential homes. This is what would be considered the Good option. as it will provide the security to your home.

Grade 2- Is considered the Better option for your home as this deadbolt hardware is meant to outlast more usage. This deadbolt is more commonly used on apartments and some office buildings, as more people are using the lock.

Grade 3- Is the Best option. It adds the best security to your home or commercial property.
For us Mul-T-Lock is our Grade 3 deadbolt. Mul-T-Lock deadbolts are the best resistance to bumping, picking and forced entry techniques. On top of the security it adds to your doors, the keys are the highest security keys. You will never have to worry who has keys to your place. Only authorized Mul-T-Lock dealers can create a Mul-T-Lock key, and only people on your Authorized signer sheet can copy your key.

If you have any questions about upgrading your deadbolt please give us a call. A member of our team would be happy to discuss your options.

Main points of access for a burglar

Being in the security business for over 38 years we have heard all kinds of stories. 

The good, the bad and the ugly. We want to help keep you, your home, and your family safe. 

      Your safety is our top priority.

The most common ways a burglar can gain entrance to your home are:

The Front Door- One of the most common entry points for thieves. Experienced burglars know where your spare key is "hidden." Many will kick in the door or remove it from the hinges. 

Windows- The most fragile point of entry. Many windows don't have strong enough locks to keep a determined burglar out or they are simple just left unlocked. One thing to keep in mind is most windows are covered with vegetation. While that gives you some privacy it also provides a shield for the burglar as he tries to get through the window. 

Other access doors to your home- A thief will check every possible opening for a way inside. Side doors, skylights, and back doors. Making sure all possible access points are locked will help deter a possible burglar.

Be prepared- Since you are not home 24/7 the best thing to do is be prepared. Install a home security system. Just a sign of cameras, or an alarm can scare off a potential threat. There are many different types to fit the needs and budget of everyone. 

We offer home security to fit everyone's needs. One of our team members would be happy to speak with you.

Who has keys to your home?

"Who has the keys to your castle" used to be the Gene's motto. We have since left the castle but the question of who has keys to your home still stands. 

One thing many people don’t think about is all the people that may have access to your keys.

Example:

You valet park your car when you go our to dinner. You no longer have eyes on your keys.

You leave your car at the mechanics to get some work done on it.  The mechanic now has access to your key.

Maid or cleaning service, Plumber or a worker, Valet.  Previous owner or Tenant, Garage Mechanic.  These are just an example of who might have access to your keys.

Where do you get your keys cut? You can go to your local locksmith, or some other store that offers that service. They don't ask for proof that that key is your house key since there is no way to prove that when they bring it in to copy. The key just gets copied to the cool design you picked out.

We can offer you a solution to take that worry away -  to upgrade to a higher security lock. We offer Mul-T-Lock deadbolts. These deadbolts are the highest security lock we offer.  They add extra security to your home and the keys are Restricted. A restricted key means you must have permission to copy it.  You cannot just go anywhere to have a copy made.  When you get a Mul-T-Lock deadbolt from us, you will fill out the Authorized Signer sheet. That paper will list the people you give permission to allow to come in to make a copy the key.  ID must be presented when a request for a copy of that key is made.

Tips to keep your house safe while on vacation

Taking a vacation this summer?
Here are a few tips to keep your home protected while you are away.
* Don't post on social media that you are away on vacation. 
Also, only tell people you trust that you are going to be away.
* Keep your home well lit, interior and exterior lights.
* Ask a neighbor you trust to keep an eye on your home.
* Arrange for some one to pick up your mail and newspapers.