It happens to everyone; after a particularly hectic day work day or shopping excursion, you find yourself locked out of your own car. Car lockouts can be a real pain, which is why it’s important to take the right steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Should you find yourself locked out of your vehicle this summer, the following advice can help ensure that the situation is only a minor inconvenience.
Prevent a Car Lockout With These 3 Helpful Tips
1. Use Your Key Fob
If you have a newer model of car or truck you probably utilize a key fob, which opens the door with one click. If you consistently use this device to lock your doors, the chances of you leaving your keys in the car are slim. Get in the habit of using your key fob every time you leave your vehicle, and make sure you replace the battery when necessary. If you have an older vehicle without a key fob, wait until you’re outside the vehicle before locking the driver’s side door.
2. Hide a Spare In Your Purse or Wallet

Also, consider hiding a spare key in your purse or wallet. This is a good option if you’re constantly on the go, as easy access to your spare is a must if you’re locked out away from home. You can also give a spare to a trusted friend or relative, who can meet you at the location where you’re locked out.
3. Keep a BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY Number Handy
Of course, even with your best efforts, you might still end up locking your key in the car this summer. In this case, having the number of a skilled locksmith will ensure you can access your vehicle in a timely manner. We offer prompt service at a reasonable price and will also be able to enter your vehicle using the right tools, thereby minimizing the risk of damage.

Thank You

Todd Theroux

At Bayside Locksmith & Security, we know that your business is important to you, and we want to help you make it the best it can be. One step you can take to improve the security of your business is to install a commercial access control system. If you are unfamiliar with this term, keep reading to get a brief overview on what commercial access control is and why it matters.
What is Commercial Access Control?
As the name suggests, commercial access control refers to a system designed to limit and monitor who can go where within your business. Systems designed for this function often include components like keycard scanners, cameras, and other devices that both track who goes where, when, and enforce restrictions on who can access which areas. An example of this kind of physical access control include a college dorm’s card scanner only allowing entrance to students who live there, but it can also involve more advanced tech such as biometric scanners.
In the digital age, commercial access control often also extends into your company’s computer network. After all, your business has a great deal of information stored away, and a good chunk of that is sensitive. Digital access control measures allow you to dispense that information to only a few trusted employees while keeping everyone else from accessing it. Instead of keycards, this type of control typically uses network usernames and passwords, but both systems are effective and necessary for keeping your company secure.
Bayside Locksmith & Security hope that this information has been helpful. If you have questions about commercial access control, we encourage you to give us a call. Anyime.

Thanks,

Todd Theroux

There are several things that can be the cause of the lockout or the vehicle not starting.

Before calling a Green Bay locksmith near you, we encourage you to assess the situation to help save yourself time. The unusable key may be due to one of the following:

1. The batteries in the key fob is dying

Can’t figure out why your door won’t open? The first thing we often recommend is to check the battery! Many people don’t think to change the battery in their key fob before calling a nearby locksmith, resulting in wasted time and money.

2. Your key is damaged

Over time, keys often become worn as they’re generally brought everywhere with us. They’re often thrown in pockets, purses, and dropped on the ground several times a day. Unfortunately, this can chip, bend and even break, resulting in a useless key.

3. There’s internal damage to key fob or keyless entry remote

Connectors inside the key fob can become damaged over time, resulting in a non-working key. This may lead to the vehicle not starting or not being able to get inside the vehicle when locked.

4. The key hasn’t been programmed

Similar to the internal key fob damage, the vehicle won’t unlock or start if it hasn’t been programmed to your vehicle. We can cut and program car keys for all types of vehicles. To see if

5. Poor quality car key duplication

Unfortunately, there are many locksmith services out that that offer poor quality car key duplication, which leads to wasted time and money. We encourage you to do your research before calling out just any Locksmith.

Bayside Locksmith & Security is a trusted and affordable locksmith in Green Bay offering car lockout services, car key duplication and car key programming.

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Owner

What does rekeying a lock entail?

Changing a lock involves swapping an existing lock for a new one. A professional commercial locksmith in Green Bay can help you rekey your lock through a process that involves the removal of the springs and pins in your lock’s cylinder. These are replaced with new ones so that your lock can only open using a new key. Most locks can be rekeyed unless they are malfunctioned or you require a different lock style.
A common misconception is that rekeying compromises your lock’s security. A lock’s security is largely influenced by the number of pins in its cylinder. As long as your apartment complex locksmith replaces the number of pins in your lock with the same number of new ones, it will retain or have its security improved if higher security pins are used.

Advantages of rekeying

Some of the advantages of rekeying your locks include:

It is cost-efficient. This is because rather than replacing the whole lock, you only need to replace its inner workings
The rekeying process takes only a few minutes

When should you rekey your locks?

You can decide to rekey your locks if you want to open multiple locks with a single key. In this case, the locks need to be of a similar brand and keyhole.
You can also rekey if you no longer want to use your current key. This could happen if you’ve recently lost a copy of your key or you want to stop someone from getting into your house with that key.

When is changing locks the only option?

An apartment complex locksmith may recommend changing your locks if you want to upgrade their security features, technology, style, or design. Changing the locks has an advantage over rekeying as it enables you to customize and consequently, improve your home’s security.

Which is the most suitable option?

There is no direct answer to this question as it all depends on your specific security needs. Rekeying is done to retain key control when there is a change in ownership of the house or property. With a previously owned property, you may not know who may have had access to the keys apart from the contractors. As such, when a new tenant is moving in, rekeying could be more suitable and affordable compared to replacing the entire lock. Whichever option you choose, though, ensure that you choose a qualified commercial locksmith.

Thanks

Todd Theroux

The Holidays are quickly approaching. Unfortunately, that means crime will be on the rise. Statistically, crimes of robbery and personal larceny rise 20% during the last month of the year. Here are a few things to be mindful of, not just during the Holidays, but also for always.

Ensure all entry points are locked when you’re out.
About 30% of burglars get into homes through unlocked front doors! How many times have you left the house and asked yourself, did I lock the front door? It happens—thankfully, the odds of someone robbing your home in the short amount of time it takes to turn back around are slim.
If you’re saying, “I never leave the house unlocked.” Sadly, that alone won’t stop someone from attempting a break-in. Did you know that your front door is the most common access point for burglaries? The reason why? It’s actually the easiest point of entry because if it wasn’t accidentally left unlocked, there is usually a spare key laying around. In fact, some criminals will even break a sidelight window to gain access to your home via the front door.
While an alarm system can alert neighbors and the authorities, that won’t prevent a break-in. Another thing worth considering is getting Hurricane impact windows. Not only are they good for protecting against storms, they’re also great for deterring a burglar. Just keep in mind that they too must be kept locked while away.
If you think hiding a spare key in a nearby rock or planter is a good idea, think again. It’s the first place someone will look if they’re trying to gain access to your home. This is among the least secure things one can do.

Don’t forget the garage!
If you have an attached garage, don’t let your garage door become compromised either. Don’t forget about your garage’s secondary door. That should have a deadbolt and strike plate as well. Check the lock on your garage door. It may need an upgrade.
If you park in the driveway, don’t leave your garage door opener in your car, but if you do, hide it in your glove box. If you have a built-in garage door opener (and in all cases) make sure your car is locked.

We recommend the following to better protect your home:
• Use durable locks for your front and back door, such as a deadbolt.
• Ensure you have a heavy-duty strike plate installed.  Having one can prevent your door from being kicked in—even if the door itself and/or frame are old.
• Again, ALWAYS lock your door—when arriving and leaving your home.
• Make sure your garage door and any cars in the driveway are locked.

Never publicly announce when you’re out of town!
If you love posting to social media, virtually checking in at places and uploading vacation pictures is not something you want to do while you’re away. It’s basically announcing to the world that nobody’s home and you won’t be back any time soon. If one of your social media followers or a less-than-friendly “friend” sees that, they may get ideas. Instead, wait until you get back home to share your adventure. Your friends and family will still love your pictures just as much even if they’re posted after the fact.
If you’ve gone out of town and forgot to lock the front door, having a smart lock makes it easy to lock up via the smart lock’s mobile app. Just make sure you have a decent signal or connect with wifi to access your app’s remote locking feature. If you don’t have a smart lock, giving a spare key to a close family member or a trustworthy neighbor is a good way to avoid a break-in if you or someone forgets to lock up (this also comes in handy if you like yourself out). It’s certainly safer than leaving a key under the mat.

Holiday Shopping? Make sure you grab your car keys before leaving your car.
If you plan on doing some Holiday shopping at the Mall or perhaps picking some fresh produce, make sure you grab your keys and lock your car doors. With less daylight during these fall and winter months, you do not want to lock your keys in the car. Waiting in the dark with shopping bags is not fun and can be dangerous if there is no security guard present. Parking near light posts is a good idea whenever possible. If you’re fortunate enough to have a newer car, it might have an app that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle using your mobile device.
Following these safety tips can prevent security breaches to your home, your car, but most importantly give you some peace of mind during the stressful holiday season. So whether you need new deadbolts installed or happen to lock your keys in the car, give us a call!

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Safes are a foreign concept to some, and a household staple for others. Common sense, especially with safes, is not so common! Security and safety come with a lot of extended knowledge, whether its the locks on your home or investing in a safe. Here are some fun, interesting facts about safes that you might not have known before.
There’s a reason they aren’t openly talked about.
If you were storing some major valuables in your home, you probably wouldn’t be telling your friends about it. Putting out into the universe that you have a safe is a security risk. As much as you might be tempted to brag about such a huge purchase, show restraint. For precaution, especially don’t disclose the location of your safe. Anyone could be listening! The knowledge of a safe in your home can come with some consequences – your safe isn’t impenetrable.
Safes are invincible! Right?
Actually, nothing is completely invincible. Safes can still be broken into, although it isn’t very easy. Location, brand, and quality all play into how “safe” your safe is. The overall security in your home, i.e. door and window locks, also determine how secure a safe is.
Fire and burglary ratings are important for safes as well. As previously mentioned, the placement of a safe is essential. At Bayside Locksmith & Security, we help our customers with these concerns.
Not all safes are created equal.
When in doubt, always invest the most you can in a safe. A cheap safe is a useless safe, and offers little to no protection to your belongings. With lower-end safes, you bring attention to the fact that you have valuables in your home and leave them in even greater danger. Consult an expert and shop around with security experts, rather than your local Costco.
Bolting is essential.
Just as you anchor your furniture, you’ll want to bolt down your safe. Although safes are heavy, they can be a risk around children and especially burglars. With a safe bolt down, your safe cannot be removed from your home without help from an expert. However in many cases, you may even purchase a home with a safe still in it! However, professional locksmiths or safe movers can move your safe if needed.
Not all locksmiths specialize in safes – both sales and labor!
Every locksmith seems to have their specialties – safe moves and sales are not always a standard. Many mobile-only locksmiths don’t have the expertise for safe maintenance, nor the materials. Safes are a whole other ballgame, so its best to make sure your local locksmith has an expert on their team.
Looking for safe experts in Green Bay, Wisconsin?
BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY is your one-stop-shop for all locksmith needs. We handle automotive, commercial, residential and safe work. BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY also offers access control services!

THANK YOU
Todd Theroux

How Do Magnetic Keys Work?

A magnetic key harnesses the power of magnets to secure doors and emergency exits. If you have hidden compartments on your home or office drawers or cabinets that you would like to strengthen security on, a magnetic lock and key mechanism could be just what you are looking for.
Don’t Think You’re In The Clear
Without a doubt, property crime is a scary part of our lives. If you haven’t personally fallen home has victim to a home burglar, you probably know someone who did. That’s no surprise since 2017 FBI data speaks about close to three burglaries happening every 60 minutes in the US. This makes property burglary the runner-up in terms of the most frequent crimes recorded in the country, with larceny-theft as the uncrowned king of property crimes. There are close to 3,800 burglaries happening every day, so do not think you’re in the clear simply because it hasn’t happened to you yet.
What you should do instead is take as many precautions as possible:
* Be proactive and start with a thorough home security inspection. If you do not have the time to walk around the house and determine which are your most vulnerable entry points and locks, what motion sensors, lights, alarms, and locks are missing or faulty, call an authorized locksmith.
* Do not let opportunists and unscrupulous thieves make their way into your home because of a poor-quality lock that does not comply with the current security standards in the industry. A professional locksmith can immediately establish if you need a lock replacement, re-keying or some minor repairs and assist you on the spot.
* Install reliable and advanced surveillance systems that allow you to keep an eye on your home from a distance and control access to it using access codes and smartphone apps.
* When in doubt, opt for magnetic locks as they are some of the most efficient, burglarproof types of locks you could buy at the moment. of reasons.
How Do Magnetic Keys And Locks Work?

Under normal circumstances, the lock’s magnets are managed using a magnetic key that temporarily cuts the electrical power that is running through the lock. A few short seconds later, the electrical current returns to the lock and once again binds the door to the frame using the magnet. A magnetic iron plate is bound to the door, while the electromagnet is connected to the frame. The manner in which the coil is wound and the amount of electrical power that goes through the lock will establish the efficiency and sturdiness of the lock itself.
When quality components are used, a magnetic lock is extremely hard to pick. The lock also provides top door concealment features, making it more difficult to be tampered with. Magnetic keyed locks rely on a magnetic force that is so strong that it could potentially melt metal. In fact, doors that have magnetic locks on them can withstand a force of up to 1,200 pounds. Needless to say, these locks can keep any door shut, while eliminating the hassle of installing and using a standard lock bolt. So how do you open and close a magnetic lock door? Shortly put, it depends on the model.
* As a general rule of thumb, magnetic locks use electrical power to temporarily turn metal into a magnet.
* It is also possible for these locks to use various push and pull methods for the pins to be set into the right position to enable access into a building or a secluded cabinet compartment.
* You can also come across a magnetic-coded lock that is a combination between a standard lock and a magnetic keyed model.
Fail-Secure VS Fail-Safe Magnetic Locks
Expert locksmiths or local hardware shops will also introduce you to fail-secure or fail-safe types of magnetic locks.
A fail-safe magnet keyed lock features a built-in feature that allows a door to immediately unlock in case of a fire or a power outage. On the other hand, a fail-secure lock will maintain a door locked during emergencies. Provided immediate evacuation is required in case of fire, flood, tornado or other natural calamities or artificial hazards, fail-safe locks are your safest bet.
Outstanding Features Of A Magnetic Key Lock

While a standard lock is rather easy to pick using simple lock picking tools or an easily accessible bump key, a magnetic key lock provides extra safety as it is almost impossible to break using similar procedures. The more powerful the electrical power that passes thought the lock, the more sturdy the lock. In other words, a professional locksmith can beef up security on your home or office space by enhancing the amount of electrical power going through the lock.
Versatile Access Options
These locks can also be managed using key codes, swipe cards, fingerprint access controls or motion sensors. This makes it easier for building owners to simplify their authorized access alternatives.
Installation Is Easy
Any experienced locksmith can easily fit a magnetic key lock on a door with the help of expert tools and relatively simple procedures. For best results and zero problems, it is best to always have your locks installed by lock technicians who are authorized, insured and experienced. Our team can handle lock installation as well as lock repairs, magnetic key replacement and duplication, and other similar services at affordable rates.
While reliable, sturdy and having excellent features, magnetic locks are also more vulnerable as they rely on the constant flow of electricity which can be cut during an outage. If you are not sure a magnetic lock is a good solution for your home or office security needs, a professional locksmith can assist you with making your decision.

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Finger Key Biometric locks by definition, are locks that grant access based on a unique body trait of the person trying to open it. This can mean either your retina or your fingerprint. Here, we’ll be discussing primarily fingerprint locks, as retina scanners are not intended for personal use.

So, how do they work? Of course, they scan fingerprints. But the real question is how do they scan and then remember your fingerprint.

How Do Biometric Fingerprint Locks Work?
Here is where our own anatomy comes to the rescue. As you know, human fingerprints are unique for every individual. They are as personal and as special as our DNA. Based on this, biometric locks can recognize and separate different users.

The way fingerprint scanners scan is different, actually. There are the optical scanners, and they, in essence, take photos of your finger and then store the photo for matching. These types of scanners can be tricked by presenting a photo of the print. Another scanner, called a capacitor scanner, makes an electronic mold of your fingerprint. Of course, this scanner can be fooled by presenting the exact mold of the fingerprint.

The last type of scanner, Ultrasound, is the least likely to be fooled. This fingerprint reader uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the outer layer of the skin. They read the fingerprint on the inner, which eliminates the need for a clean surface and. These scanners are the hardest to trick, and they will not fall to any conventional tactics. this also makes them the most expensive, but also the most popular.

Locks with Multiple Factor Authentication
Multiple factor authentication or MFA is a method of gaining access by presenting several authenticating instances. This means that you have to present at least two types of authenticating code to unlock a lock. Usually, these instances are something a person knows, owns, or something they are. A Common method of multi-factor authentication would be knowing a password and swiping a key card.

When it comes to biometric locks and other biomertic devices, this is usually manifested as having a fingerprint (something you are) and a keypad for a code (something you know). When faced with these locks, you will not only have to introduce your finger print to the device, but you will have to input the code as well. Failing to produce either one of these authentications will result in the lock not yielding entry.

Two factor authentication should be utilized when you want to obtain high levels of security.

Overall, commercially, fingerprint locks are very reliable and good. They can be used by residents or commercially for offices and warehouses. In fact, wherever there is a need to protect property or valuable information, you may find it that a fingerprint lock is very well suited for the job. Common uses are on home safes, hand gun safes, padlocks, computers, and both interior and exterior doors. There are even fingerprint scanners built into time and attendance clocks for employers to prevent employee time fraud and unauthorized entry.

For practical purposes fingerprint locks are quite good. They are very convenient and fairly cheap. They, of course, cost more than mechanical locks, but they are also infinitely more secure. For these high security locks, you get what you pay for.

Like we said above, a key can be stolen and then used by an intruder to gain access to your possessions or your family. When it comes to fingerprint locks, the intruder is faced with a much harder task of getting in.

Of course, these locks aren’t foolproof. They can be faulty by themselves, and they may not recognize your own fingerprint, which leads to much frustration. If you were to cut your finger and if the cut were to leave a scar, you may not be able to use the scanner, as the lock will now treat it like a new fingerprint.

Thanks for your support,

Todd Theroux

Owner

Why CCTV Cameras are a Good Idea
Installing CCTV Cameras is quite necessary whether it is for a home, an office or a Business. It is one of the best ways in which you can maintain security and surveillance. With crime increasing and burglaries very common. It is very important to consider the available security options and choose one that is the best fit for you. Here are some good reasons why you should consider installing CCTV Security Cameras in your building.
Reason # 1 Prevent Theft
If you suspect one of your employees of wrong-doing but don’t know where to begin, start with these helpful tips. First, try to get to the bottom of things. A camera can be a very helpful tool. This is especially true if you own an establishment where cash is exchanged. Cameras are posted near cash registers sometimes or other places where employees are often stationed.
They’ll show you not only if an employee is stealing, but may even discourage an employee from committing a crime. It wouldn’t only prevent theft from employees but also from criminals. Think about it, if you were planning to rob or vandalize a store or office, would you want to do it if you knew you were being recorded?
Reason #2 Have useful Evidence
If a crime is committed in or around your business and the person accused of committing the crime was caught on camera, you’ve got an extra piece of evidence for a court case. Jurors and judges can watch footage or view photos from your security cameras and establish that the person on trial did indeed commit the crime.
Not only will you be preventing the same person from causing you more trouble in the future, you’ll be helping your entire community.
Reason #3 Keep an eye on your Business
Having a CCTV camera inside offices may help in creating discipline among the employees. For bosses who want their presence felt so that efficiency at work is optimized, a camera hovering over the employees will give the same effect.
You can keep an eye on things from your home computer with a few quick clicks of your mouse and make sure your business is running smoothly and nothing out of the ordinary is going on.
Reason #4 Monitor a High-Risk Area
Cameras may be placed in high-risk areas inside a factory. Such areas may include those in which fires can possibly break out. A camera in place there will lessen potential damages because emergency measures can be made immediately.
Cameras may also be placed in areas where accidents can happen. This is important so that life-saving measures can be employed promptly.
Reason #5 Watch out for kids and elderly people
With a CCTV framework at home, you can screen the wellbeing of your kids and elderly people while you are away. You can watch out for your housekeeper or your Babysitter and ensure nothing strange is going on.
Knowing that you can keep an eye on your kids through your computer or even your phone when you’re at the office can be very comforting. Therefore, the next time you’re looking to improve your office building’s security, why not give BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY a try!

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Owner- Operator

A good access control system makes it easy to both operate and secure your business. A poorly set-up access control system, on the other hand, can be a major hindrance without all the benefits. And, for smaller businesses, you may think you don’t need an access control system at all — which isn’t the case!

When we talk about access control, most folks assume that means a high-tech, electronically based security system. However, that’s not always what access control entails. An access control system can be anything that helps provide and restrict customers’ and employees’ access to your business. So, for a business in a smaller space, an access control system may be as simple as having good quality locks with a master key system. For most businesses in our digitally-powered age, though, access control systems do involve some element of electronic security in order to provide better comprehensive security measures. No matter what your security concerns, an access control security system is a great way to get customized protection for your space and assets. Want to know more? Here are five major benefits to an access control security system:

It Secures Your Business

We’ve already touched on this, but the most important element for any business is the ability to secure your employees, space, and assets. A good access control security system helps to provide the right combination of commercial doors, locks (traditional and electronic), and keys or electronic access options to make sure your building is locked up securely after business hours. More than that, a personalized access control system helps to block off specific rooms, protect more sensitive assets, and generally structure the flow of your building both during working hours and after. Basically, when an access control system is set up appropriately, it provides you with better security made for your business.

It Controls Access

The whole point of an access control system is to, well, control access. Makes sense, right? For most businesses, you want to make sure everything is secured as well as possible, but you don’t want to set things up in such a way that your customers can’t get in to conduct business! When done well, an access control system provides security, but it also provides access in appropriate ways. That can mean anything from doors with PIN-controlled electronic locks to automatic doors that welcome people in (but can still be secured after hours). The idea behind an access control system is to make it easy for business owners and managers to limit access as necessary and easily control who does and does not have access. It’s a way to secure your business but still invite customers in.

It Helps Save Energy

With so many doors and locks controlled by electronic/keyless locks, you probably aren’t thinking about energy savings. But access control systems can actually help your business cut down on energy and operational costs! In many cases, access control systems can be integrated with the HVAC system, lights, and so on. That way, if the locks tell the system that a room is not in use, it can ensure the lights stay off. Similarly, the system can tell your HVAC system to go into standby mode and heat or cool rooms less when no one is using them.

It Helps Simplify Employee Turnover

Employees come and go; that’s simply the nature of running any business. Even if you see little to no turnover, losing employees can pose a security risk. Former employees are people who know at least the basics of your business’s security. In many cases, they may have had access to keys, a PIN, or other ways to access spaces that the average person isn’t allowed to access — even if it’s something as simple as a back office with the business’s safe. Any time someone leaves your employ, you’ll need to take steps to revoke their access. That might mean rekeying locks, updating PINs, and adjusting keyless entry locks so the individual’s keycard no longer works. Most access control systems make it easier to deal with employee turnover because the digital information can be removed or updated with a few keystrokes rather than rekeying every lock.

It Helps Track History of Entry/Exit

Digital access control systems in particular are a great way to keep a record of the daily comings and goings at your business. Every time a keycard is scanned or a PIN is entered, the system records the time, date, and who that information is associated with. If there is ever a question of who accessed a specific door, those records can make it a lot easier to track individuals so you can deal with instances of burglary or vandalism.

Thank You

Todd Theroux

Owner