Helping our customers make informed security decisions is at the heart of what we do. Browse our expert insights below.
Choosing the Right Lock for Your Home
The front door is the primary entry point for most burglars, which is why investing in the right lock is one of the most important home security decisions you'll make. In the UK, the two most common types of door locks are mortice locks and cylinder (rim) locks. A mortice lock sits within the door itself and offers superior strength, while a cylinder lock is easier to install and replace. For maximum security, we recommend a combination of both — commonly known as a deadbolt plus a latch.
Look for locks that carry a British Standard (BS 3621) kitemark. These have been independently tested against picking, drilling, and forced entry. At Accesscore Group, we stock a wide range of BS 3621 certified locks from premium brands and can advise you on the best fit for your door type and frame material.
- 5-lever mortice deadlocks for solid timber doors
- Euro profile cylinder locks for uPVC and composite doors
- Multi-point locking systems for patio and French doors
- Window locks and sash jammers for full perimeter security
- Smart locks with remote access and audit trail capabilities
Commercial Lock Solutions Explained
Businesses face unique security challenges. High footfall, multiple keyholders, night-time vulnerability, and the need for access audit trails all demand a step up from standard residential hardware. At Accesscore Group, we work with business owners, property managers, and facilities teams across Birmingham to design and install commercial locking solutions that are both robust and practical.
Master key systems allow you to control who can access which areas of your premises with a single, layered key hierarchy. Electronic access control goes further — granting or revoking access instantly, logging every entry and exit, and eliminating the risk of lost keys compromising your building's security.
- Master key and grand master key systems for offices and apartment blocks
- Heavy-duty padlocks for gates, shutters, and storage units
- Card reader and fob access systems — contactless and hygienic
- Electromagnetic door locks for internal controlled zones
- CCTV-integrated access logs for compliance and insurance requirements
Smart Locks: The Future of Home Access
Smart locks are revolutionising the way we think about home and office security. Instead of relying on a physical key, smart locks use PIN codes, smartphone apps, RFID cards, or even fingerprint recognition to control access. They can be integrated with smart home systems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit for seamless automation.
The advantages are numerous: you can grant temporary access to tradespeople or guests without cutting a new key, receive instant notifications whenever your door is opened, and lock or unlock remotely via your phone if you forget. Battery-powered smart locks can also integrate with your existing deadbolt hardware, meaning installation is often straightforward even for older homes.
- App-controlled smart deadbolts from Yale, Nuki, and Schlage
- Keypad and fingerprint entry for keyless convenience
- Integration with existing smart home ecosystems
- Tamper alerts and auto-lock scheduling
- Retrofit options compatible with most standard doors
What to Do During a Lockout
Being locked out of your home, car, or business is a stressful experience — but it's also one of the most common situations our customers call us about. Here is exactly what to do to stay safe and get back inside as quickly as possible. First, remain calm and check whether any other entry points are unlocked before assuming the worst. Contact Accesscore Group immediately on 447516454999 — our emergency team can typically reach any address within the Birmingham B29 service area quickly.
Never attempt to force entry yourself. Forced entry damages door frames, locks, and surrounding hardware, often resulting in a more costly repair job. Our locksmiths carry specialist tools to open locks non-destructively in most cases, protecting your door and saving you money. If a lock has to be drilled, we'll replace it on the spot from our mobile stock of standard lock sizes.
- Save our number: 447516454999 before emergencies happen
- Check all windows and back doors before calling — you may be lucky
- Do not attempt to pick the lock yourself — this risks damaging the barrel
- Stay somewhere well-lit and safe while you wait for our team
- Ask us about installing a key safe for future peace of mind
