Business break-ins happen more often than most people realize. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 25 seconds in the United States. And commercial properties are common targets because criminals know there’s valuable equipment, cash, and inventory inside.
The locks on your office doors matter more than you might think. That basic lock from the hardware store? It can be picked or bumped in under a minute by someone who knows what they’re doing. If you’re serious about protecting your business, it’s time to consider high security locks from our locksmith in Philadelphia that actually do the job.
Why Standard Locks Fall Short
Most office doors come with basic pin tumbler locks. These have been around forever. And thieves have had forever to figure out how to beat them.
Common ways criminals bypass standard locks include:
- Lock picking with basic tools
- Bump keys that defeat pin tumblers
- Drilling through the lock cylinder
- Prying the door frame
- Snapping the lock with force
A skilled intruder can defeat a standard lock in less than 60 seconds. That’s not a lot of protection for everything inside your business.
High security locks are built differently. They have features that resist these attack methods. Better materials. Smarter designs. Patents that prevent unauthorized key copying. These locks make criminals work much harder, and most will simply move on to an easier target.
Types of High-Security Locks for Businesses
Not all locks are created equal. When talking to a locksmith in Philadelphia about upgrading your business security, you’ll hear about several options.
Medeco Locks
Medeco has been a leader in commercial security for decades. Their locks use rotating pins that must be lifted and turned to the correct angle. This makes picking extremely difficult. Medeco keys are patented and can only be duplicated at authorized locations with proper ID.
Mul-T-Lock Systems
These locks use telescoping pins within pins. It’s basically two locks in one cylinder. Very hard to pick. Very hard to bump. They also offer key control programs so you know exactly who has copies.
ASSA Abloy Products
ASSA locks feature sidebar mechanisms that add another layer of security beyond standard pins. Even if someone manages to move the pins, the sidebar stops the lock from opening. Many government buildings and financial institutions use ASSA products.
Schlage Primus
Primus locks combine traditional pins with a side-bar system. They’re popular for commercial applications because they offer strong protection at a reasonable price point. Key control is excellent.
Also Read: Deadbolt vs Smart Lock: Which Is Better for Security?
Electronic and Smart Lock Options
Modern businesses often combine mechanical high security locks with electronic access control. This gives you:
- Keyless entry with codes or cards
- Audit trails showing who entered and when
- Remote access management
- Automatic locking schedules
- Integration with alarm systems
Businesses using electronic access control report 30% fewer unauthorized entry incidents. The combination of physical security and digital monitoring creates multiple barriers against intrusion.
What to Look for When Choosing Locks
When shopping for commercial locks, pay attention to ratings and certifications. The American National Standards Institute grades locks on a scale from Grade 3 to Grade 1. Grade 1 locks are the highest rated and required for most commercial applications.
Key features of good commercial high security locks include:
- Anti-pick pins and sidebars
- Hardened steel components
- Anti-drill protection plates
- Reinforced strike plates
- Bump-resistant design
- Restricted keyways with patent protection
A professional locksmith in Philadelphia can assess your current setup and recommend the right level of protection for your specific situation. Not every business needs the same solution. A small retail shop has different needs than a law firm with sensitive client files.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Locks
Upgrading locks costs money. Nobody’s going to pretend otherwise. But think about what a break-in actually costs.
Beyond stolen items, you’re looking at:
- Damaged doors and frames
- Lost business during repairs
- Insurance deductible payments
- Increased premiums after claims
- Employee anxiety and low morale
- Potential liability for stolen client data
- Time spent dealing with police and paperwork
The average commercial burglary costs businesses between $8,000 and $50,000 when you factor in everything. Suddenly, investing a few hundred dollars per door in quality high-security locks looks pretty reasonable.
Professional Installation Makes a Difference
Even the best lock won’t protect you if it’s installed wrong. Gaps in the door frame. Weak strike plates. Improper alignment. These issues create vulnerabilities that defeat the purpose of upgrading.
A skilled locksmith in Philadelphia knows how to install locks correctly. They reinforce weak points. They check the door frame and hinges. They make sure everything works together as a complete security system.
Protecting What You’ve Built – The Locksmithman Philadelphia
Your business represents years of hard work. Late nights. Sacrifices. Financial risks. You didn’t build it so some stranger could walk in and take what’s yours.
At The Locksmith Man Philadelphia, we work with businesses across the city every day. We’ve seen the aftermath of break-ins. We’ve helped owners pick up the pieces. And we’ve helped smart business owners prevent those situations before they happen.
We carry and install high security locks for commercial properties of all sizes. From single-door offices to multi-location retail chains, our team knows what works and what doesn’t.
Contact The Locksmith Man Philadelphia today. Let’s talk about what your business actually needs to stay protected.