Columbus Residents Are Rethinking Security as Property Crime Ticks Up
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Big News Network) – Recent Columbus Division of Police statistics show a modest but persistent rise in property crime across several core neighborhoods. From historic Clintonville to the growing Short North arts district, residents and business owners are looking for practical ways to safeguard their valuables without turning every doorway into a fortress. One local company, Jones and Sons Locksmith, says the answer starts with smarter locks rather than heavier doors.
A Local Legacy Built on Reliability
Family-run since 2012, Jones and Sons Locksmith has grown from a two-van operation into a fleet of mobile service units covering the entire 43201 corridor and beyond. Co-owner Alex Jones recalls the early days when a slow Tuesday meant three or four rekeys on campus housing. “Now we might program a dozen smart locks before lunch,” he says. The reason he believes, is that Columbus renters and homeowners finally see modern access control as an affordable upgrade rather than a luxury.
Why Traditional Locks Fall Short in 2025
Criminals adapt quickly. Bump keys, inexpensive pick sets, and even 3-D-printed skeleton keys circulate openly online. Legacy pin-and-tumbler cylinders—though once the gold standard—can be compromised in under a minute by a determined intruder. A single break-in, even an attempted one, can send repair bills soaring past the cost of preventative hardware.
That’s where professionally installed grade-1 deadbolts, reinforced strike plates, and smart locks that log every entry event make a measurable difference. Homeowners still on the fence often change their minds after seeing real-time notifications on a phone whenever someone unlocks a door.
The Hidden ROI of Proactive Security
Installing certified commercial-grade hardware costs less than the average insurance deductible for burglary losses. Better still, many carriers now offer premium discounts if policyholders provide proof of a recent security upgrade. According to a 2024 Ohio Insurance Institute survey, homes protected by monitored smart locks and cameras reported 18 percent fewer successful break-ins than those with basic hardware.
Halfway through the year, Jones and Sons has already logged a 27 percent increase in smart-lock installations over 2024. That figure mirrors a nationwide trend, but Alex argues that local service matters more than shiny tech. “The device is only as good as its installation,” he notes. “A misaligned strike or loose screw can defeat the most expensive lock on the market.”
How Professional Locksmiths Beat the DIY Aisle
It is tempting to grab a Wi-Fi deadbolt during a weekend run to the home-improvement store. Yet DIY kits rarely include the heavy-duty screws, door reinforcement plates, or firmware updates that keep systems secure long term. Certified locksmiths use torque screwdrivers to ensure precise seating, test latch engagement with feeler gauges, and program encrypted credentials that resist common hacking tools.
That meticulous approach also shortens emergency response times. Half of Jones and Sons’ call volume involves rescuing frustrated DIY-ers locked out by misconfigured keypads. By contrast, clients who choose professional installation report near-zero failure rates in post-service surveys.
Mid-Block Businesses Face Unique Threats
Store owners in the revitalized Italian Village district stand shoulder-to-shoulder along narrow alleyways—ideal cover for after-hours tampering. Commercial clients are turning to restricted-key master systems that limit duplication, plus keypad locks requiring rotating access codes for temporary staff. One recent installation at a boutique coffee roaster reduced unauthorized key copies by 90 percent within three months, according to the owner.
Simple Steps Every Columbus Household Can Take
- Rekey after any change of occupancy. Landlords and new homeowners should schedule a rekey within 24 hours of receiving the keys.
- Add a quality deadbolt with a one-inch throw. Combined with a three-inch screw strike plate, this deters most kick-ins.
- Install motion-activated lighting. Well-lit entryways discourage stealth attempts.
- Secure sliding doors and ground-floor windows. Charlie bars or dowel rods cost a few dollars and block prying attacks.
- Consider credential-based smart locks. Phone apps or keycards let you grant and revoke access instantly.
Midway through your security upgrade research? Visit this helpful guide on latest locksmith Columbus technologies and learn which options fit your budget.
Around-the-Clock Help When Seconds Count
Lockouts rarely happen during banker’s hours. Jones and Sons’ dispatch dashboard shows that 41 percent of emergency calls in 2024 arrived between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Their technicians average a 22-minute arrival time citywide, thanks to strategically parked service vans near the campus, Brewery District, and Easton. Each van carries OEM key blanks, high-security cylinders, and EEPROM programmers to replace car fobs on the spot—no costly towing to a dealership required.
Looking Ahead: From Keys to Credentials
As Columbus prepares for continued growth with Intel’s nearby semiconductor plant and an influx of new residents, demand for scalable security will only rise. Access cards, biometric readers, and cloud-based audit trails are standard in large facilities, but Alex predicts they will soon become commonplace in single-family homes. “People already manage thermostats and lights from their phones,” he says. “Doors are the next frontier.”
For residents considering future-proof upgrades, the company offers free on-site assessments. Technicians evaluate door frames, hinge integrity, and even Wi-Fi signal strength to recommend a balanced solution—a valuable service for anyone wary of overbuying gear.
Final Word
Protecting your property in 2025 involves more than hiding a spare key under the doormat. From hardened mechanical locks to cutting-edge smart devices, Columbus homeowners and businesses have a wealth of options. The key is partnering with a seasoned local expert who treats every door as the first line of defense. Jones and Sons Locksmith stands ready to keep your family, employees, and assets secure—twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Columbus, OH 43201
614-915-0609
ohcolumbuslocksmith.com
