Unauthorized Key Copying Poses Growing Risks to Homeowners, Businesses

Many business and homeowners across the country may be overlooking the very common threat of unauthorized key duplication.

Salem, VA (PRWEB) October 31, 2005 -- Fear-stricken Long Islanders may be rushing to arm themselves with security cameras and alarm systems in response to a string of terrifying New York area home invasions, but many homeowners across the country may be overlooking the very common threat of unauthorized key duplication.

The use of keys duplicated without permission has become more prevalent in residential and commercial crimes in recent years. Standard keys can be copied without any proof of identification or verification at discount or home building stores and allow perpetrators fast, easy access without any delay or disturbance of a forced entry. Residential or commercial keys are often compromised, either directly or indirectly, when entrusted to neighbors, parking valets, cleaning crews, baby sitters, contractors, ex-employees, auto mechanics, or related service providers.

Locks manufactured by Medeco Security Locks offer home and business owners patented key control, a process which ensures that only authorized locksmiths are equipped to duplicate Medeco keys and that every key duplication request is verified and recorded for proper authorization. Because Medeco keys are patented, the unique key blanks are only available from authorized Medeco locksmiths. Authorized Medeco locksmiths require formal proof of permission before copying a Medeco key.

Medeco Security Locks manufactures products for residential and commercial users, including deadbolts, entrance sets, levers, and even retrofit cylinders that may allow locks to be replaced without the need for completely new door hardware.

“Clearly, if anyone can copy a key then it doesn’t matter how tough the lock itself is built,” said Joey Kingma, Medeco’s director of residential products. “Every 13 seconds a home is burglarized and half of all residential burglaries occur with entry gained through the front door. The numbers are staggering.”

In addition, Medeco locks feature high security elements that protect against physical attack, such as lock drilling, picking, pulling, or prying. “Many business or homeowners have a false sense of security because they’ve installed a deadbolt lock,” Kingma said. “They fail to realize there are different grades of security, and many general retail locks are Grade 3, which only provides the minimum level of protection.” Medeco recommends Grade 1 security hardware, or Grade 2 as a minimum.

Homeowners may contact the National Crime Prevention Council at 1-202-466-6272, or www.ncpc.org, to request a copy of “Locking Your Home, What To Know Before Buying Locks For Your Home.” Additionally, Medeco residential and commercial product information, including authorized Medeco dealers, can be found at www.medeco.com.

About Medeco
Founded in 1968, Medeco is a market leader in manufacturing high security, patent protected locks and locking systems for security, safety, and key control. The company’s customer base includes Wholesale and Retail Security providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, and Industrial End Users. Medeco locks are widely used in commercial, industrial, government and residential end user applications.

Contact:
Tom Zuckerwar
540-380-1628
tzuckerwar@medeco.com

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