STACK #193 Nov 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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SMART LOCKS A smart lock on the front door is the ultimate convenience. You don’t have to worry about carrying – or indeed losing – your keys, and through an app, individual codes can be given to a cleaner or dog walker; they’re also perfect for short stay rentals. And if you’re not sure whether you locked the door on the way out, no sweat – just pull up the app.

DUMB CRIMINALS

Two aspiring thieves conceived the idea of using a blowtorch to cut through the metal frontage of an ATM to get to the cash. It worked and they cut right through the metal to the compartment where the money was stored. But just as they reached the loot, the flame from the blowtorch set the cash on fire and destroyed the lot.

KEEP OUT! It’s not always possible to avoid being broken into, but below is the best advice straight from the boys and girls in blue to put the odds back in your favour. Lock all doors and windows even if you’re at home. Most homes that are burgled do not have a security system. Installing one will help you keep unwanted visitors out. Put up stickers and signs indicating that there’s a security system, Neighbourhood Watch scheme or dog in place. Don’t leave garden tools in the back garden. These can be used to break in. Keep your hedges trimmed and low – burglars prefer properties that are concealed from the road. If you go on holiday (remember that word, 2020?) ask a neighbour to bring in your mail and bins. Never leave your purse, wallet or keys where they can be easily found. Cards, cash and car keys are all easy targets. Keep valuables like jewellery well-hidden or in a safe. Don’t leave house keys outside. It’s better to keep them with a trustworthy neighbour. Make sure you mark your property with microdots, an engraver or UV pen to enable identification should they be recovered. If you go away on holiday, don’t post photos on social media. Install sensor lights around your property.

YALE UNITY ENTRANCE LOCK WITH CONNECT BRIDGE The quality built, completely keyless Unity Entrance Lock includes one very important feature that not all smart locks have – it deadlocks. The lock can be fitted to new doors or retro-fitted to an existing door and is controlled via an app, where virtual keys can be assigned to multiple users (again, via the app), and GPS and GeoFencing technology will unlock the door on your

arrival home. When the Yale Connect Bridge is

paired with the lock, all the locking and unlocking can be controlled remotely and lock status can be checked. If you forget your phone, no problem – there are two key tags included that can be slipped into a wallet or bag. Voice assistant compatible? Google Assistant and Alexa.

NUKI LOCK 2.0 The USP of the battery-operated Nuki Lock 2.0 is that there is no need to replace an existing lock, making installation a breeze. It’s designed to slip over a standard cylinder on the internal side of a door, with everything needed to complete the job – including tools – supplied in the box. Once installed, the lock is operated through the Nuki app, although it can also be locked and unlocked manually from the inside. There’s a handy auto unlock feature on the app that will trigger and unlock the door when the smartphone is close enough – handy if you’ve got kids or

shopping in your arms. If you add the Nuki Bridge (you can buy this set with the lock), the lock can be used with Google Assistant, Apple Home and Alexa for voice assistance. A keypad for code access is sold separately. Voice assistant compatible? Google, Alexa and Siri.

30 NOVEMBER 2020

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