Let’s talk about security
Securing your bicycles and or home is an important part of keeping your things safe. But Kinsu knows the lock requirements in policies can easily be overlooked. If you’re living in a flat, house, or a similar type of dwelling then you may already be familiar with BS3621 standard locks and not even know it. What sounds like a confusing, boring term is actually quite simple.
Are you using the right locks at home?
Kinsu policies urge every customer to use “a key operated lock system meeting BS3621 standards, if you live in ground floor and have accessible windows.” Ever see a series of letters and numbers (BS3621, BS8621, and BS10621 are common) imprinted on your door lock? Those numbers are proof your lock is certified by British Standards Institution, or BSI. This well trusted group puts certain products through a series of safety tests to better categorise which ones prove to be the most secure. That’s why Kinsu asks you to only use locks that have been certified by BSI. You’ll also notice a heart shaped icon on all locks approved by BSI. This is known as the BSI Kitemark™ — one of the most recognised symbols of quality and safety. Give your locks a look and see what you’re operating with. It’s highly likely your current locks are fine as they are.
Another option is a key-operated multi-point locking system found in more modern homes. It locks at multiple times with the turn of a key making for an even more secure mechanism. This type of lock is also acceptable as long as it’s BSI certified as BS3621.
Is your bicycle secure?
One of the biggest thrills of cycling is taking your bicycle with you wherever you go. But, that often means leaving it in random areas of your city. Kinsu policies ask all bicycles to be “…secured to an immovable object by a Sold Secure Bronze rated lock through the frame, or the bike is left in safe and secure closed location.”
Sold Secure is another security scheme that enforces quality across a variety of locks, padlocks, and other devices. They offer three main categories: bronze, silver, and gold. Obviously, gold is the most secure of ratings but Kinsu asks you to at least use a bronze rated lock. You can find an exhaustive list of bronze rated Sold Secure locks here.
Why does any of this matter?
The important takeaway is that you’re correct in thinking lock technologies are not the most exciting topic. That’s why we’d rather do the research for you. However, Kinsu aims to keep your things protected and using the correct lock mechanisms is one part of the process. In summary, always look for the BSI Kitemark™ on any external door in your home and only use a Sold Secure bicycle lock.
