1. Use keys that TRULY cannot be duplicated  Keys marked DO NOT DUPLICATE are a deterrent, but not usually enough for peace of mind. Our High-security keys are highly specific and cannot be found anywhere commonplace (Ace Hardware, Home Depot etc), so employees cannot run all over town looking for a store to make a copy.
   
2. Require ex-employees to turn in all issued Hi-Security keys.  If this does not happen, then it is time to re-key again.  If they turn in their key, you are confident security has not been breached.
3. Consider installing access control locks that can be coded with a keypad or a key-card system in which entries and exits are audited, codes can be changed easily when a card is lost, etc. and you can do it yourself.
   
4. Do not have a master key for all doors. Individual offices and restricted work areas should always have separate keys.  Master key systems are great for convenience, not great for security.
   
5. Have someone manage the key system for your business AND keep your spare keys in a locked cabinet.
6. Issue as few keys as possible. Issue them only for areas the employee is authorized to be in. Keep up-to-date records of keys issued to which employees.  Ask your ASAP locksmith to engrave these for you.

        

Very simply, see this Channel 5 news broadcast link below.  It's easy to protect yourself.  BUY BETTER LOCKS and have them professionally installed from a trusted locksmith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr23tpWX8lM

        

Hire a local company.  1-800 phone numbers are usually a big sign that a national company is advertising in your area.  There are some national companies that hire unskilled help for lock service.

In Arizona, there are no laws yet in place to protect the public from this, so hire a local BBB accredited business.

Very often low quoted phone prices are a signal that you are about to be ripped off.  Fore example: "Yes, we will get your keys out of your car for $40."  Then when they arrive at your vehicle, it's a story like"  Oh, I didn't know you had THAT car!"  So, if it sounds too good to be true....It probably is. 

        

When a new home development is created, builders usually intall locks that are master-keyed.  What does this mean?  Master-keying is a for convenience.  It makes it possible for many people to have one key to many locks. So in this example, it is possible that all the builders and all the sub-contractors and their employees (or un-documented employees) have keys that open ALL THE HOUSES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Even if salespeople tell you "Now that I've given you this specific key to your home, our keys won't work anymore." Don't rely on this information.  The lock they are referring to is called a "construction keyed lock" and when used properly, will prevent unaurhorized access, but don not rely that the contractors have used the correct keys or there was not access to the keys that you were given.

Another point is that the "master pins" (the components in a lock that make the lock open to more than one key) can still be in some locks.  Which can make your lock "sticky or difficult" to work, but more importantly, EASIER TO PICK OR BUMP.

Be safe. Call a reputable locksmith service company to re-key your new home or business so that YOU are, for sure, the only key-holder to your property.

        

As soon as you buy a home, rent an apartment, or lease or buy commercial space, for safety, you should re-key the premises. You don't know the history of the previous tennants or landlords..and even if you did, who did they know?  Who had the keys?  Cleaning services?  Pet Services? Ex-disgruntled Employees?

Unfortunately, crime happens.  And CRIMINALS LOVE KEYS!  Don't make it easy for them. Call a locksmith to help you re-key your locks so you don't have any surprises.  Be Safe.