Hints and tips to help keep your property secure this winter.

During the winter months, as the nights draw longer and the frost begins to show we all want to feel safe and secure in our homes. In this
blog we tackle some of winter’s ‘bites’ and show you how to help keep your home free from opportunistic thieves.

56% of burglaries occur during the night and increase by 20% in the winter months making this season a prime time of the year for burglars to target. Homes
can be targeted for a number of reasons, many of these are not planned attacks like many people believe but more likely when a burglar spots an
opportunity.

With this is mind there are many ways of deterring burglars by removing the opportunity for attack, below we have listed some helpful hints and tips on how
best to protect your home this winter.

· When going out, leave a light on or on a timer thus giving the impression someone is home.

· If you’re away for a weekend or a long period of time, ask a neighbour to park on your drive - a burglar is far less likely to target your home if they
think it is occupied and will move on.

· Outside lights on motion sensors are a great way to deter someone who is approaching your home as they will quickly be illuminated when moving closer to
the property.

· Weak locks can easily be picked or snapped so it is worth having a local locksmith attend your property to replace or upgrade any locks you may be
concerned about.

· There are many additional security items you can have fitted to improve the security on your doors and windows such as additional bolts, door chains and
window restrictors.

· Have a burglar alarm fitted; if you cannot afford a full alarm system then dummy alarms can be equally as effective, at a fraction of the price.

· At night and when leaving your property make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked and that all curtains and blinds are shut or that valuable
items cannot be seen by passersby on the street.

· Check the perimeter of your home for any weak spots.

· Lock all garages and sheds – Tooling could be used by a potential intruder to gain entry to your property so ensure there are adequate locks on all
sheds, garages or outbuildings.

Rental Property Security

Are you looking to move into a rented property? We at Keytek™ have put together some handy hints and tips to help make your time in rental property hassle free!

• Have you checked the property over to make sure that all of the doors and windows have sufficient locks? Check the standards of the locks; firstly look out for a Kitemark, many insurance policies will stipulate that locks must be British Standard.
• Has your landlord changed the locks since the previous tenant/s have moved out? You never know who could still have a key!
• Is your deposit protected by a scheme? From 2007 it is a requirement for private landlords and letting agents to use a government approved tenancy deposit scheme*
• Have you read the tenancy agreement a few times and are you sure that you understand the small print? Does it include bills? Can you have pets? Guests?*
• Check the inventory thoroughly! At the end of your tenancy you wouldn’t want to be liable for damage that you didn’t cause.
• Before making any changes or improvements to the property, remember to obtain the landlord or letting agent’s permission – this includes changing the locks!
• If you’re thinking of installing an alarm system, easy fit domestic alarms are a great option if you are renting as they can be installed easily and can be moved easily from property to property – you can get one here! https://www.keytekshop.co.uk/product/yale-easy-fit-standard-alarm
• If you’re moving to a new area talk with your neighbours and introduce yourself. It’s always good to know people nearby in case anything is happening in the area.
• UV mark your items, if you did have the unfortunate event of a break in, your property can be identified as yours.

*Information sourced from: http://www.theguardian.com/money/2012/aug/31/top-10-renting-tips-happy-tenant

University Security Advice!

Now that September is here, are you or is someone close to you leaving home to go to University??

Whether you’re getting packed and ready to go, or are all ready moved in and preparing for lectures, have you given any thought to the security of your new student house or halls of residence?

The National Union of Students has the following questions to ask yourself about your student accommodation!

Does the house seem secure from the outside?
Think about how you would get in if you lost your keys, if it’s easy for you then think how easy it is for a potential intruder.

Does the property have an alarm?
If not, could you/the landlord install one? Alarms act as an excellent form of deterrent, with research showing 84% of imprisoned burglars would avoid a home with a working alarm.

Does the front/back door look solid and secure?
Typically, burglars spend just sixty seconds breaking into a home and that’s not surprising considering how easy it often is. In 73% of cases they gained entry via a door, and in 3% of these cases the door was left open. Ideally doors should be secured using a mortice lock and / or nightlatch that meets British Standard BS3621.

Are the windows secure?
Check to see if all the windows are fitted with secure locks and that the handles are in good working order, particularly on the ground floor.

Is there adequate outside lighting?
Ask yourself would you feel secure entering your house at any time of day. It’s important to feel safe and secure so you can enjoy your time at university.

According to the National Union of Students, the average break in costs students around £900 to replace belongings and repair any damage.

With this in mind they have provided some fantastic crime prevention tips for your time at University:

Don’t give burglars an open invitation 

Opportunist thieves often target student halls and houses, as bedroom and flat doors are often left unlocked or ajar, making it a quick in-and-out job for a burglar. Avoid any unwanted visitors making their way into your home by remembering to close and lock all doors and windows whenever you’re not in – even if you’re only popping out for five minutes.

Another tip is to avoid leaving notes on your door saying you’re away or ‘back soon’ – instead tell your friends face-to-face so they can act as an unofficial student watch while you’re out

Protect your valuables

Computers, cash, electrical goods and jewellery are among the most commonly stolen items in domestic burglaries and, as a result of the nation’s love for gadgets, the average cost of a burglary has risen by 40 per cent over the last three years. However, 21 per cent of people say they never hide valuables when leaving the house, with 37 per cent leaving portable gadgets such as e-books or tablets easily accessible.
To protect smaller valuable items and reduce the risk of fraud, use a home safe. This can be used for items such as jewellery, small electronic gadgets and important documents. The safe should be bolted securely to a floor or wall so it can’t be stolen but remember to check with your landlord before making any alterations to your property.

Cycling to lectures?
Bikes are an ideal way to get around campus or student towns. They are convenient and great exercise but, unfortunately, thieves like them too. To keep your bike safe and secure it’s advisable to invest in a sturdy bike lock. For maximum protection, use two different locks simultaneously (a D-lock and robust chain and padlock is ideal).

Hitting the town
Personal safety also needs to be high on the agenda. After evenings out sampling the local nightlife try to travel home with friends or in a reputable, licensed taxi – remember, there is safety in numbers! If you do walk home, try to stick to main roads and avoid poorly lit areas – especially dodgy looking shortcuts and dingy alleyways. For additional security and peace of mind it’s also a good idea to carry a personal attack alarm.

Social security
In this age of social media, many of us are used to posting all manner of details online without a second thought. ‘Checking in’ at places online can alert burglars to the fact you are not at home, and posting images of new and expensive items can also be risky.
In any other capacity you wouldn’t dream of alerting a burglar to the fact your house is empty and you certainly wouldn’t tell them that you have a brand new laptop sat in your bedroom. Be careful about what you are sharing online and check your settings to ensure that you are only sharing status updates with people you know and trust.

By remembering these great hints and tips, you can relax and enjoy your time at University, knowing you have done all that you can to stay secure!

Source: http://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/student-safety/top-five-crime-prevention-tips/

http://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/student-safety/five-questions-you-need-ask-about-your-accommodation/

Do your locks meet your insurance requirements?

You should always check your home insurance to see what the minimum security requirements are however, most insurance companies will specify that your property must be fitted with British Standard locks on your doors and windows.

If your locks do not meet your insurance requirements and you are unfortunate enough to experience a burglary, your insurance could then be invalid and your claim may be refused.

British Standard locks

For a lock to be classed as ‘British Standard’ minimum standards must be met - this is done through rigorous testing including strength, durability and security.  A higher quality lock such as a British Standard can act as deterrent for burglars as it is a lot harder to gain entry through, so all the more reason to upgrade your locks if they are not already British Standard.

To read more about British Standard locks follow this link http://www.keytek.co.uk/what-is-british-standard/.

How to check yourself!

Checking to see if a lock is British Standard can be simple - all you have to do is look out for the Kitemark shown below, which should be on any lock that is British Standard.

Do your locks measure up?

If not don’t worry, our trained and skilled locksmiths are more than happy to help and to upgrade your locks.  Call 0800 0345 0451 now to book in an appointment with us! 

A man who created a lock as a joke to stop his children from stealing his Nutella has ended up selling 1000 units on ebay!

Daniel from Germany had enough of heading to his cupboards to make a snack with his favourite spread only to find his kids had beaten him to it and used all his Nutella! So as a joke the inventor created an acrylic lock as a simple solution to keep the chocolate spread thieves out. The lock consists of a small acrylic box that can be clamped down over the lid which is then held in place with a padlock, meaning the only person that can get in to the jar is the person that holds the key.

When people started to hear about his Nutella gizmo, orders started to roll in - he said: ‘As the demand continued to grow we decided to offer the device on eBay’. The lock has been a huge success with parents wanting to keep their children’s mitts out of the chocolaty spread, so much so that Daniel has now sold over 1000 units. Due to be being made from acrylic the gadget can be easily broken so whilst the lock may not keep out every crazy Nuttella fiend it shows that no idea is ever too crazy!

Read the full story here... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-3217138/New-German-gadget-clamps-Nutella-thieves-customised-jar-lock.html 

Keytek Personal Security Advice

Personal Security

We may often discuss home security, but it is important not to overlook the importance of personal security. So whether you’re out and about, or surfing the net, personal security should always be carefully considered and never far from your mind.

According to the Daily Mail, 2,000 mobile phones are stolen each day, and in some of these cases the personal information on phones is harvested and passed on to others, who may use it for identity theft and fraud. With this in mind, we suggest keeping your mobile out of accessible pockets, and especially out of your back pocket.

For more of our personal security tips, visit http://www.keytek.co.uk/personal-security.aspx where we have put together some great tips and advice to help you stay safe both out and about and online! Dorset Police also have an excellent campaign running about cyber safety that’s worth checking out! http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=8290 

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2747294/Call-alarm-2-000-mobiles-stolen-day-iPhone-target.html

Keytek Home Security Advice

According to Halifax Home Insurance, there is a 10% increase in domestic burglaries and a 40% increase in thefts during the summer. With this in mind, are you doing all that you can to secure your home and prevent it from potential intruders this summer and in the following months? The Metropolitan Police advise that the Top Ten tips for securing your home are as follows:

1. Don't leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows.
2. Close and lock all doors and windows. If you have multi-locking door handles, lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Put the key out of sight but in a safe place in case of fire.
3. Lock garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can’t be used to break into your home.
4. Keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them.
5. Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio so it appears that someone is at home.
6. Invest in a safe for valuables and sentimental items and securely fix it to a solid surface.
7. Install a visible intruder alarm system - burglars don't want to be seen or heard. 
8. Install low level 'dusk till dawn' lighting to increase visibility and deter burglars. 
9. Keep side and rear boundaries high to restrict access and front boundaries low to remove hiding places.
10. Photograph and mark valuables and sentimental items with your postcode and house number/name. Register items with serial numbers at: immobilise.com

Now that you have some great advice to help make your home more secure, are you taking precautions for your own personal security? Whether you’re out and about or surfing the web, personal security should always be carefully considered. Take a look at our personal security page for some great tips to keep you safe! http://www.keytek.co.uk/personal-security.aspx

Don’t forget about your garden security! This can sometimes be overlooked, so make sure you are doing all you can to make it safe from potential intruders. For more information and some handy tips take a look at our Garden Security Blog! https://www.keytekshop.co.uk/home-garden-security

Source: http://content.met.police.uk/Article/Top-Ten-tips-for-securing-your-home/1400031421159/crimepreventionhomesecurity http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/about_us/projects_campaigns/abssummerlockin

#ABSsummerlockin campaign launched by Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network to keep security locked in and intruders locked out.

#ABSsummerlockin campaign launched by Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network to keep security locked in and intruders locked out.

Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network is urging householders to #stayABSsafe this summer by launching the  #ABSsummerlockin campaign to coincide with the school summer holidays in England and Wales – a time of year that sees a 10% increase in domestic burglaries and 40% increase in outdoor thefts*. 

Working in partnership with its security sponsor Avocet Hardware, Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network will be issuing regular communications throughout the holidays to advise householders about how they can make their homes less exposed to potential burglaries.

The office for National Statistics latest crime survey for England and Wales reports 92% of all domestic burglary in a dwelling is committed through the front and back door, 52% and 40% respectively.

Furthermore the report highlights one quarter of all burglaries are the result of forcing the lock or lock snapping as it’s more commonly known – a growing trend directly related to the increase use of uPVC and other double glazed doors.

Jim Maddan, chairman of the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network, said: ““The school holidays is a busy time for burglars as many houses are left empty when people head off for a getaway. Throw in the light nights and warmer weather and it’s no wonder there is an increase in break-ins.

He continued: “We want people to enjoy their summer holidays without worrying about their home, which is why we have joined with Avocet to let people know that fitting a proper anti-snap lock is a really effective way to help stop a burglar gaining access to your property.”

Clive Lloyd, managing director of Avocet Hardware, said: “The rise in lock snapping is directly related to the increased use of uPVC and other double glazed doors, which can be found in millions of homes around the UK. By and large, these doors are fitted with a standard Euro cylinder lock that can be snapped and removed in a matter of seconds using nothing more than simple DIY tools.

“The ABS Snap Secure Lock is the only lock available with a patented snap secure technology, which will effectively lock the central cam in place. The ABS snap secure technology totally blocks access to the door bolt mechanism inside the lock case to effectively combat a snap attack.”

This proof comes from a Leeds City Council initiative that began in 2010 and to date has seen over 10,000 ABS Snap Secure locks installed in homes in East Leeds. This, alongside other police initiatives, has resulted on average in a 36 per cent annual drop in burglaries across East Leeds.

For further information and updates on #ABSsummerlockin follow Twitter @N_Watch and @avocetabs. To stay up to date on Avocet news and competitions join its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/abs.secure.

More information about ABS locks can be found at www.abs-secure.co.uk. Alternatively call 01484 725725. 

Joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is completely free and has been proven to reduce your chance of getting burgled. For further information and home security safety advice visit the Neighbourhood and Home Watch website:- http://www.ourwatch.org.uk

* According to research by Halifax Home Insurance.

If you are interested in having an ABS Snap Secure lock fitted to your property please contact us to arrange fitting by calling 0800 046 7845 or visit www.keytek.co.uk  

Enter our facebook competition!

KEYTEK™ SHOP COMPETITION

Its competition time! And were giving away £100* to spend at Keytekshop all you need to is like our facebook page to be entered into the draw to win the £100 to spend at the store. Click the link and head over to our facebook page, Good Luck!

*off usual shop price

Hurry, KeytekShop Summer Sale ends Sunday!!

How to move home hassle free

How to move home securely

Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful times of our lives. Issues with paperwork, solicitors’ appointments, estate agents and then the worry of the sale potentially falling through are some of the factors that add to the stress of the ordeal. After possibly one of your most expensive purchases, comes the much anticipated move involving more exercise than you’ve probably done all year. Once all is over and you’ve finally settled into your new home, comes a vital part that many people either forget or disregard... the importance of having the locks changed on your new property.

If you think of your current house key and how many people you know that have a spare, it becomes slightly worrying when you realise you have no idea how many people could have a key to your new home. Changing the locks when you move home should be a basic security precaution for every home owner, but this is still something many people forget or possibly never do. As well as leaving your home and its contents potentially unsecure, many insurance companies will not pay out if an intruder gains entry using a key, as there generally needs to be clear signs of breaking and entering.

When moving home and changing the locks there are a few things you should consider. You should check with your insurance company prior to the change to make sure they don’t have any minimum requirements. Many insurance companies will require you to have a tried and tested British standard lock fitted to your door and your locks changed can be fairly expensive making this an important requirement to double check, prior to a locksmith attending your property. When getting your locks changed/upgraded, it may also be worth investing in a key safe. Key safes are a fantastic way of storing spare keys; meaning you won’t run the risk of being locked out. You also have the security of knowing that the key is safe, especially since nearly 20% of people still hide their spare keys in an area of their garden in places many intruders will know to look.  If you are interested in buying a key safe, take a look at www.keytekshop.co.uk.

Whilst the locksmith is changing the locks, it’s a good idea to have a security check completed on your home at this point. Potential intruders could enter the property through a window so if you’re missing any window keys or the locks are looking a little old, it’s a good idea to have these checked also. These simple tips and considerations can help you enjoy your new home with no worries or shocks in or out of the house. If you would like to read any more information on home security and locksmith services, our website has lots of useful information! 

You can visit our website by going to www.keytek.co.uk. Or if after reading this blog you need your locks changing, call us now on 0800 035 0451! 

Summer Security

Stay secure during the Summer Holidays with our Summer Home Security Tips!

Whilst enjoying any holiday period whether it is summer, Easter or Christmas, one of the last things on your mind will probably be making sure that your home is secure. Whatever the time of year it is still very important to make sure that the security of your home doesn’t lapse whilst you are enjoying the holidays.

Don’t let a burglary ruin the summer holidays...

Unfortunately higher temperatures are not great for uPVC or wooden doors as changes in heat can often cause doors to swell or shrink. Potentially, these changes can unfortunately leave your property unsecure, as you may be unable to unlock or worse lock your door, leaving your home vulnerable to a break-in. When a door swells or shrinks it’s often a simple case of calling a highly skilled and trained locksmith to fix the problem for you, making ongoing accessibility much easier during those hot summer days, leaving you far less likely to find yourself locked out when you return from a day on the beach!

Problems with your door can be caused by a variety of other factors during the summer; a common cause being simple wear and tear especially when everyone is more partial to popping in and out of the back garden to top up the tan. This can also cause security issues for your home, especially if you’re unable to lock up due to the lock being damaged by continuous use. This problem can also be solved by calling a local locksmith to your home who will be more than willing to fix or replace any locks that have been damaged by wear and tear.  

Also, don’t forget to secure your home even when just popping out to the garden, this includes the window you have left open to catch the rare breeze. Leaving any doors or windows open during a sunbathing session in the garden could leave your home unsecure and pretty much a burglar’s dream of entering your property undetected whilst you’re in the garden.  According to statistics provided in this fantastic UK Burglary report provided by Tesco Compare 73% of burglars use a door to gain entry and in 3% of cases the door was open.   

How vulnerable is your home

There are many different reasons why a burglar may break in to your home, although some are opportunistic whereby they will take the opportunity when it arises i.e. a door or window is left open, others will scope out your property beforehand. Therefore it is important to evaluate the security of your home to ensure your home isn’t targeted by a burglar whether it is opportunistic or pre-planned.

Ask yourself the following questions when evaluating the security of your home:

·         Are the locks on any doors and windows visible?

By making sure these are visible will help to deter a burglar as they will be able to see it will be harder to break in.

·         Are any doors or windows left open, even if it isn’t easy to access them?

Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home.

·         Ensure all your windows are locked and closed at night

When closing up your windows for the night ensure they are all locked and securely shut. If any small top windows are accidently left open or open to let in cold air overnight a burglar can easily reach through and open a large window internally.

·         Do you have any lights with sensors fitted to the exterior of your property?

Fitting lights with sensors to the outside of your home will ensure your home is well lit if an intruder was to approach your property. These will not only help to alert you and your neighbours but may deter an intruder from breaking into your home as they tend to be confident when working in the dark.

·         Is the front of your home visible from the road?

Having high walls and hedges can give a burglar protection from being seen therefore making sure your home is visible is important.

·         Is accessing your home noisy?

Consider having gravel placed on your driveway as it is impossible to walk on gravel without making a noise. The more difficult you make it for a burglar to access your home without making a noise the less likely you are to be a victim of burglary.

·         When you are on holiday or away from your home is it obvious that your home is unoccupied?

Make sure that when you are going to be away from your home for a long period of time that you do the following:

-          Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home whilst you’re away. Ask them to open and close curtains etc so that it appears that your home is occupied.

-          Cancel any deliveries such as the newspaper or milk.

-          Use the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service to hold any letters or parcels whilst you’re away to avoid any post piling up whilst your home is unoccupied.

·         Are there any ladders or equipment lying around that can be used by a burglar to gain entry to your home?

Make sure that any ladders or equipment that could be used to break in to your home are stored securely in a locked garage or shed.

Make sure you check out www.keytekshop.co.uk’s wide range of burglary deterrents to protect your home from opportunistic burglars!   

Keytek get ready to launch new shop!

If upgrading your home security is on your agenda this summer or your thinking of protecting something special, then checking in with Keytek™ should be at the top of your list.

The Keytek™ brand is expanding, and exciting times are approaching for us all here at Keytek™, as the final touches are added to our very first online shop. It’s not far from launch day and after weeks of sorting through picking and discarding products; we are all pleased to let you know that in the next few weeks our shop will be open for business. Keytekshop will be supplying you with lots of high quality additions for your home security, from some of the best brands in security - just in time for summer!

Home safes, cash boxes, and additional home security options are some of the many things we’ve included in our product line from top brands like Yale and Master lock. So if you’re in need of a little upgrade on your home security or would like to protect something valuable Keytek shop is the perfect place to find it. You can also expect to see lots of additional benefits from us to make you’re shopping as care free as possible like our online chat support, return policy and after sales service, along with a low price guarantee. 

To kick it all off we’ve got lots of amazing discounts, giveaways and promotions ready for our launch! But we can’t give too much way too soon, so keep posted on our social media for all our updates on the countdown to open day. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on the launch and special offers for email subscribers!  

Become a locksmith

Do you have what it takes to become a locksmith?

The locksmithing industry in the UK is vast and encompasses a diverse range of different locksmith and security services for both domestic and commercial customers. Demands for Locksmith services are generally very stable and people who have locksmith training are in constant demand driven by many factors*.

*Dependant on location

Ask yourself; do you possess the following skills and traits?

• Honesty, respect and are able to be discrete where necessary
• An eye for detail when carrying out intricate procedures
• The ability to gain an understanding of mechanics and electronics
• Analytically minded
• Customer service skills
• Persistence to finish a job
• Valid UK driving license

Did you answer yes to the majority of these? If so then a career as a locksmith could be a very realistic option for you!

What’s next?

If you are still interested in becoming a locksmith the next step would be to research where you can train to be a locksmith. When looking into locksmith training it is important to do your research to make sure you are doing a locksmith course that best suits your own needs and requirements. Find out more about locksmith training here.

As well as researching locksmith training centres it is also worth researching the area in which you were to work if you did pass your training to see what the competition is like. This will help you to get an idea of the work that may be available to you and help you to ensure you are making a career change that will be viable. 

Locksmith jobs with Keytek Locksmiths

We are always looking for professional locksmiths from across the UK to join our Engineer Network due to continuing company progression and expansion.

Keytek™ is one of the largest National Locksmiths in the UK providing both domestic and commercial locksmith services for over 15 years. This has enabled us to achieve priority positioning in major directories, which has resulted in more work for our Engineers over that of our competitors.

Over the years we have built up an extensive Engineer Network across the UK and we are able to provide Engineers with many benefits including all the help and support they need from technical issues through to processing paperwork, in the form of our in-house technical department (all engineers have access to 24 hour technical advice) and dedicated Engineer Liaison Team who are able to offer guidance on customer service and company procedures. 

   

Other benefits of working for Keytek™ include:

• 24 hour technical advice
• Dedicated Engineer phone line
• Group trade discount
• Simple paperwork procedure
• Working hours and time off tailored to suit your needs.
• Keytek™ will replace any parts you have used onsite.
• Working with specialists in locksmith services.
• Our commitment to quality... 

- ISO 9001:2008 accredited

- Investor In People

- Safe Contractor approved

- CHAS accredited Contractor

For more information about Keytek™ and our locksmith job opportunities please visit www.keytek.co.uk/about/locksmith-careers/ or if you are interested in working for us please call 01202 711 195. 

Working as a locksmith with Keytek

Claiming ELC after leaving the Military

The ELC claims process for those who are no longer in the Armed Forces

 

After completing years of service with the Armed Forces, ex-service personnel can make an ELC claim for up to ten years from the last day of service. 

  

Ex-service personnel who have registered on the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme whilst serving may claim up to £1,000 per financial year towards training course fees, if four years’ of service have been completed by the individual. If eight or more years’ of service have been completed by the individual they can claim £2,000. A total of three claims can be made, including those of which that have already been claimed whilst serving.

Making a claim...

To make an ELC claim, go to the ELCAS website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com/Claiming/Claiming%20ELC%20Only/ and download the claims form and fully complete it except for Parts 4 and 5 as these will be completed by staff in the single services.

After you have completed the form you will need to send to the relevant address with the following supporting material:

• Proof of last day of service

• Information about the course (including proof of level of qualification/accreditation) 

• Photocopy of a utility bill which states your home address

• Photocopy of a photo driving license or passport

• Telephone number (daytime)

 

Where to send your claims if you are no longer serving...

• Royal Navy – ELC Manager NTE (ER2), Floor 3, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building, Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, PO2 8BY

• Army – Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager, DEdCap, Zone 4, Floor 2, Ramillies Building, Army HQ, Monxton Road, Andover, SP11 8HT

• Royal Air Force – Learning Credits Adminstrator, 22 (Trg) Gp, Rm 227, Trenchard Hall, RAFC Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8HB 

If your claim is eligible it will then be sent on to ELCAS, who will check whether you are registered for the ELC scheme and are eligible to receive funding. Once this has been processed ELCAS will then send your Claims Authorisation Note (CAN) to your single – service education/learning staff, with an evaluation form. They will then forward the CAN to your home address; this process takes around two weeks.  

All applications must be submitted to SDEs/SRRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the course commencing. Approved applications will then be submitted by SDEs/SSRs to ELCAS.

Claimants must then present the CAN to their chosen training provider before the course commences. The CAN allows the training provider to invoice Defence Business Services for the appropriate funding amount (£1,000 or £2,000 – dependant on your eligibility).  

When you have completed your course you must also complete the evaluation form and return it to ELCAS. Please note if you do not do this it may jeopardise the next claim you make. 

For full details of how to claim go to the ELCAS website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.

Read more about ELC funding and claiming to take a locksmith training course on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Using Enhanced Learning Credits with Individual Resettlement Training Costs

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has improved funding for Military leavers so that they can use learning credits such as Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) during their resettlement period with their Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) to pay towards the cost of an eligible training course.

Claiming IRTC with ELC

 

When using IRTC with ELC during resettlement, the individual may use the IRTC element to pay for, in part or in full, the 20% minimum personal contribution required. Unlike ELC funding, any unspent IRTC may also be directed towards another training activity!

Use it or lose it!

The IRTC funding will need to be used up before you leave the Armed Forces – if you don’t use it, you will lose it!

Funding combinations during the resettlement period

IRTC may be used together with ELC or SLC, but all three cannot be amalgamated. ELC and SLC are designed to fund different learning purposes and cannot be used together. For example, SLC may not be used to fund an exam for a course of study that has been supported by ELC. The MoD monitors providers closely to ensure that costs remain competitive and are not inflated to obtain the maximum funding available.

When using IRTC with ELC or SLC during resettlement, the individual may use the IRTC element to pay for, in part or in full, the 20% minimum personal contribution. This exception will be permitted only under these specific circumstances; otherwise the rules for each scheme remain unchanged. The MoD decided that funding should be optimised to enable Service leavers to undertake valid resettlement activities to help them secure employment. Some element of personal contribution will usually continue, especially for more expensive, higher-level qualifications where the 20% minimum will more than likely be exceeded.

Rules and guidance to claiming funding combinations

How it works...

The rules:

• IRTC + ELC                           YES

• IRTC + SLC                           YES

• IRTC + ELC +SLC                    NO

Key Points

 

• IRTC must be used in conjunction with ELC or SLC to fund a recognised learning activity, in accordance with each schemes rules.

• An SLC or ELC claim should be submitted, with the individual making their minimum 20% personal contribution.  

• An IRTC claim should be submitted either in advance of the allowance or in retrospect, once the learning activity has been completed.

Read more about ELC funding and claiming IRTC to take a locksmith training course on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Enhanced Learning Credits

What is ELC?

 

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) is a scheme run by the Military of Defence (MOD) as part of an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst those who are members of the Armed Forces. The scheme helps to provide financial support in the form of a single payment that you receive each year for a maximum of three years. This means that it can be used both during your time in the forces and also for a considerable time after leaving.

Joining 

 

In order to join this scheme you must be in the Armed Forces, you can register during your first year of service. Forms are available from education staffs, learning and education centres and the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS) website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.  

Requirements

 

Before being able to make an ELC claim you must be able to meet the following requirements:

• To be eligible for lower tier ELC funding (£1000), you must have been serving in the armed forces for at least 4 years.
• To be eligible for higher tier ELC funding (£2000), you must have been serving in the armed forces for at least 8 years.
• The only exception to this is if you left the forces before April 2008 then you will only be eligible for a lower tier claim regardless of your length of service.
• If you are a service leaver, you can still claim for ELC funding, up to 10 years after leaving the forces.
• Each eligible claimant may make a total of 3 claims.
• Only 1 claim may be made for learning activities commencing in any one financial year.
• Courses must be National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 or above for both lower and higher tier claimants in order to receive funding. 

Read more about ELC funding and claiming to take a locksmith training course on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Master Suites, new office and business security resolutions!

It’s time to be more security conscious...

 

As part of your New Year’s resolutions for 2015 it may be worth thinking about being more security conscious when it comes to the security of your business or office.

Why not upgrade your office and business security by having a Master Suite system fitted by a local locksmith!

What is a Master Suite?

A Master Key suite is a state of the art system designed for operational convenience. It gives designated key holders access to specific areas or buildings, and the master key holder access to all locks on the suite.

How does a Master Suite work?

 

Alternative options...

Construction Master Keyring

This function enables constructers (builders) to issue a construction key that will operate all the cylinders under the system, once the property has been handed over to the tenant/owner the construction key is locked out once the cylinder is operated by the tenant/owners key. This system
eliminates the need for multiple keys during the build process.

Key Life or Landlords Systems

This system is designed to minimise the changing of door cylinders when tenants leave the property (for whatever reason) but do not return all copies of the key to the landlord. Key changes are designed into the cylinder so when a tenant leaves, the next tenant key once operated in the cylinder will lock out the previous tenant's key. Up to 4 key lives can be built into the cylinder. This type of arrangement is not normally under a master key as most landlords are not happy to hold master keys to tenant's properties.

All systems or suites described on this page will come with restricted keys therefore any additional keys required will need to be cut by the initial supplier. Anyone in possession of these restricted keys will not be able to get any additional keys cut unless they have authorisation to do so, giving you added peace of mind when it comes to the security of your business.

Business and Office Security Tips

• Be aware of anyone who visits your office or business. Install a visitors book in your main reception or entrance and ask anyone who isn’t an employee to sign in and sign out, you may want to consider time of
  arrival/departure and car registration.
• Check the ID of any tradesmen/suppliers.
• Ensure all valuables such as purses, wallets or mobile phones are not left in plain sight of a passerby.   
• Never leave a laptop in an unlocked office, meeting area or anywhere that is not secure.
• Keep your key fob or card on your person at all times and don’t loan it to other members of staff.
• Lock your computer when you are away from your desk to avoid being a victim of any fraudulent activity.
• Back up and encrypt any data that may be important and sensitive.
• Ensure all staff are using strong and multiple passwords.
• If your office or business has a staff car park ensure no valuables are left in any vehicles. 
• Draw any blinds or curtains once everyone has finished for the day to ensure any valuables/office equipment can’t be seen by any passersby.
• Make sure that all windows and doors are locked before leaving.