Small shops in Acton and Georgetown open and close their doors many times a day, often with a single key ring shared among a few people. A few simple habits help.
Opening and closing routine
Write down the steps: unlock, check alarm or lights, prop or not prop the door, lock, check. Keep the routine simple.
Keys
- Number keys and note who holds them.
- Keep spares in a secure place.
- If a key is lost or someone leaves, rekey the door.
Storefront doors
Glass and aluminum doors need pivots, closers and locks to be in good shape. A dragging door damages the lock. See storefront door repair.
Back doors
Back doors are often ignored. Check the lock, the frame and the light. Do not prop them open.
After a break-in
Call police, photograph, secure the door, and contact your insurer. We can make the door safe. See break-in repair.
Landlord
If the building is leased, check who is responsible for door hardware before spending money.
Records
Keep a note of repairs and who did them.
Help
We come to Halton Hills from Brampton. See the Halton Hills page.
Older shopfronts need more attention
Many Main Street buildings in Acton and Georgetown have doors and frames that have moved over the years. Door closers lose adjustment, thresholds shift and old cylinders wear. These small faults lead to doors that do not latch, which is both a security and a safety problem.
A closing routine that works
Assign one person to lock the front and rear doors, check that they are secure and note it in a log. Keep spare keys with an owner, not hidden in the shop. If you rent the space, confirm who is responsible for repairs to frames and hardware.
Questions about a lock or key problem? Apna Locksmith is a Brampton-based mobile locksmith serving Brampton, Vaughan, Caledon, Etobicoke and Halton Hills. Call (289) 406-1500 or see our service areas.