SALEM, Va., Nov. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Security-conscious business and home owners may believe that adding a deadbolt lock significantly reduces their risk of burglary, but many fail to realize that different grade deadbolts provide dramatically different levels of protection. As a result, the unfortunate reality is that standard deadbolts give business and homeowners an over-estimated sense of security and likely make them prone to be a victim of crime.
Most deadbolts available through large retail outlets only provide Grade 3 security, the lowest level of protection available as rated by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). BHMA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for builders hardware. Grade 1 deadbolts offer superior strength and performance while Grade 3 deadbolts offer little resistance to common types of physical attacks and are susceptible to forced entry. Even more confusing, most deadbolts at mass retail merchants aren't actually rated by BHMA; instead, packaging simply suggests that the locks contain "Grade 1-like features."
Locks manufactured by Medeco Security Locks offer home and business owners with Grade 1 security. Medeco's Maxum Deadbolts feature high security elements that specifically protect against physical attacks, including kicking in a door, sawing through the lock's bolt, prying a door open with a crowbar, or even shearing the lock off with a hammer. Medeco recommends Grade 1 security hardware, or Grade 2 as a minimum, for residential and commercial protection.
"Quality deadbolts prevent crime," said Joey Kingma, Medeco's Director of Residential Products. "There's a reason Medeco deadbolts are consistently rated as the best -- they provide real protection from real risks."
In addition, the use of keys duplicated without permission has become more prevalent in residential and commercial crimes in recent years. Standard keys can be copied without any proof of identification at discount or home-building stores and allow perpetrators fast, easy access without any delay or disturbance of a forced entry. Residential or commercial keys are often compromised, either directly or indirectly, when entrusted to neighbors, parking valets, cleaning crews, babysitters, contractors, ex-employees, auto mechanics, or related service providers.
Medeco locks feature patented key control, a process that ensures keys can't be copied without proper permission. Because Medeco keys are patented, the unique key blanks are only available from authorized Medeco locksmiths. Authorized Medeco locksmiths require formal proof of permission before copying a key.
Medeco Security Locks manufactures products for residential and commercial users, including deadbolts, entrance sets, levers, and even retrofit cylinders that may allow locks to be replaced without the need for completely new door hardware.
About Medeco
Founded in 1968, Medeco is a market leader in manufacturing high security, patent protected locks and locking systems for security, safety, and key control. The company's customer base includes Wholesale and Retail Security providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, and Industrial End Users.
The Medeco company logo can be found at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2075