The $300 lock you can break in seconds

The lock you see in the picture can be found in thousands of locations: hotels, banks, casinos, office buildings, airports. And, according to a class action lawsuit, it isn’t safe at all. Kaba-Ilco, the maker of the ubiquitous  Simplex series of push-button locks, is being sued for selling a defective product that can be broken into in seconds by an unskilled person wielding only a powerful magnet.

NYC's Greenwich Locksmiths have got some front!

Located in the smallest building in Manhattan, the business of Greenwich Locksmiths has been in existence since 1968 and over the past 40 odd years hasn't changed all that much - until owner Phil Mortillaro decided to get creative and decorated the facade with thousands of multi-colored keys.

The swirls of shiny keys make for a unique signpost for Phil's trade and the shop has now become something of a local landmark and tourist spot.
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Honed over 300 years

When Mumbai Police recently cracked a sensational diamond heist case in which four people allegedly stole diamonds and cash worth crores from the lockers of a nationalised bank, they were amazed how the locksmith could remotely open a seven-lever locker which is practically impossible to get into even if one had physical access. In fact, duplication of these keys is so tough that if the original is lost, the manufacturer has to replace the lock. It turns out the skill had been honed for over 300 years.

Databac self-expiring visitor labels

ID specialist Databac has entered into a strategic partnership with Data Management, Inc., of Connecticut, US, to distribute its innovative Visitor Pass Solutions in Europe via its bases in the UK and Spain. First to be introduced will be Data Management’s self-expiring, one-piece visitor labels, which have already seen considerable success stateside, in healthcare, business, education and government.
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How do you fancy having your picture taken with one of China's most attractive models?

Thanks to the Internet, the delightful Queenie (pictured) is now well-known to the international locksmithing industry as the face of the Lishi pick advertisements.

What you may not know however, is that Queenie is also considered one of China's most attractive models (obviously).
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CPD points on training at the Locksmiths' Exhibition

Now you can get CPD points on attending certain training classes at the Locksmiths' Exhibition.

The following classes qualify for MLA CPD points:

Impressioning a pin tumbler mechanism - MLA 1 CPD Point 

Bumping pin tumbler cylinders - MLA 1 CPD Point 

Lishi Picks: how to use them - MLA 1/2 CPD Point 

Belcher RPCP 110 & Pre-Lifter Picks - MLA 1/2 CPD Point 

Basics of pin tumbler stripping / keying alike and rekeying - MLA 1/2 CPD Point 
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Assa Abloy launches new door closer range

Abloy UK now offers a new extensive range of door closers to complement its product portfolio, providing a total solution for ease of specifications.
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Hickley's: unlocking the key to success

Hickley's, the vehicle key programming specialists, are explaining the opportunities in key programming presentations around the country during March.

The ability to copy or program vehicle keys and remotes adds additional business to key cutters and locksmiths wanting to move into Auto key programming. The evening presentations will explain the equipment required, the technical back up available and methods used, offering a new service to your existing or potential customers. Using the MVPPro and Zedbull key programming and cloning diagnostic testers, payback scenarios of as little as 7 months or 30 key programs can easily be achieved.
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Safety is first priority for Danish municipality

Break-ins and broken windows are daily events for many communities, but it is tougher to be a criminal in this Danish district since the installation of IP video surveillance from Milestone Systems: vandalism has fallen by 90%.
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Security safe firm fined after worker burned

A security safe manufacturer has been fined after an employee was burned while fitting an under-floor safe.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted SMP Security Ltd, of Halesfield 24, Telford, following the incident in which Nigel Gibbon, 44, from Telford, was operating a flocking machine to apply a soft lining to the safe on 28 June 2008.
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New IR illuminators achieve distances up to 1,000m

The newest addition to Raytec’s Raymax range of Platinum high power Infra-Red LED illuminators is the RM300-PLT-AI-5. The RM300-PLT-AI-5 is specifically designed for very long range lighting where achieving long distances is crucial.  
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China mobile help may prove to be security risk

The Joint Intelligence Committee has added its voice amid growing concerns that China's offer to "help build" a £50 million mobile phone network on London’s underground, may in fact undermine London’s security apparatus.

Advanced Keys for genuine replacements

Stand B3

From the mid 1990's passenger vehicles have been fitted with transponder immobiliser systems, which have increased considerably in complexity. These systems involve the inclusion of a transponder inside the key. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder communicates with the immobiliser. If the key is verified, the immobiliser communicates with the vehicle ECU and allows the vehicle to start.

One of the critical factors when programming additional/replacement keys, is the key itself, which in many cases must be original. Advanced Keys was created to provide a comprehensive range of genuine keys/remotes and transponders to the independent workshop/locksmith.

Tel: 0121 355 8510
Fax: 0121 355 5922
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.advanced-keys.co.uk

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John Austen
Publishing Director
Tel:07766 707 888

Government backs MLA 2011 handbook

The UK's biggest locksmithing trade association has further cemented its position as one of the country's leading security experts with a stamp of approval from the Home Office.
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Soldering on again

Lock Decoders' popular soldering classes are booking again. The next class is 22nd February, and reservations are also being taken for the next one on. All MLA members who complete the class earn 3 CPD points. In addition to basic soldering skills, students are taught how to remove eeproms and micro processors.
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Free locks all round

Police and council officials in North East Leeds have launched an initiative to boost home security around the Temple Newsam area by fitting free new locks to over 100 local homes.
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Who can be trusted to deal with data securely?

With issues of cybercrime still prevalent, companies are understandably cautious about who can be trusted to deal with their data securely. As a result, hosting provider UKFast has been working towards several industry standards to prove the security of its client's data. This week, the company has achieved ISO accreditations guaranteeing quality management and environmental management, adding to its existing information security management certification.
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CBC boosts customer support

Leading surveillance solutions provider CBC (Europe) has created a new Customer Support Manager role, providing a dedicated one-stop link between its customers and a wide range of support functions. 
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Awards Dinner and Training Classes update

With 2 weeks to the 'event of the year', The Locksmiths' Exhibition is looking like it's going to be a very busy show indeed. Enquiries for stands are still being made and the Awards Dinner is a sell out, although we have contacted the hotel and if there is a call for more seats we could squeeze in a few extra onto the over-generous tables. 
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Is technology giving thieves a way in to cars?

by Juanita Appleby, Sbd UK

Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers continue to strive for the ultimate convenience features and modern vehicles are fitted with increasing numbers of telematics systems and on-board communication technology. This means more wireless data transfer is taking place and there is now evidence to suggest that thieves could exploit this with 'invisible' theft attacks. Whilst a great number of these cited theft methods are built on fiction, some are certainly feasible by technically capable thieves.
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Oil tank locks

The value of having oil tank locks has been highlighted following a recent surge in the number of heating oil thefts taking place in the UK.
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