Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about Suffolk SAFEKey
Q: Who Owns Suffolk SAFEKey?
A: Suffolk SAFEKey is owned by Suffolk Constabulary, and all data pertaining to the service is the sole property of Suffolk Constabulary. To ensure that the service provided is of a standard that one would expect, Suffolk Constabulary use the services of Keycare Ltd, a market leader in keyfob recovery with over 40 years industry experience and a client base that boasts businesses from the FTSE 100, to deliver the Suffolk SAFEKey service.
Q: How can I join Suffolk SAFEKey?
A: You can join online by clicking Join Now or by calling 08444 121 802*
Q. How can I renew my membership?
A: As an existing member of Suffolk SAFEKey, you will be sent an automatic reminder approximately 4 weeks before your membership is due to expire. Or you can either renew your membership online or by calling 08444 121 802* - or by writing to:
Keycare SAFEKey
PO Box 325
Shipley
BD18 9DQ
Please quote your fob number on all correspondences. Cheques should be made payable to Keycare Ltd with a note of your key fob number written on the reverse.
Q: How can I keep my keys safe?
- Never have anything containing your name and address attached to your keys
- Never leave your keys under doormats, on a string through the letterbox, under a stone, on top of a door or window frame etc. An opportunist thief may be watching
- Never leave doors or windows open when you go out. If you can get in so can a burglar
- Try not to keep all your keys on one key ring. Additional fobs can be purchased by calling us on 08444 121 802*
Sophisticated security measures now fitted as standard to new vehicles means criminals are increasingly turning to key crime - this means stealing your keys to your vehicle first. Burglars have been known to break into houses and offices just to steal vehicle keys.
- Don't leave vehicle keys close to the front door or where they can be seen.
- Never leave your keys in your vehicle, not even for a second. This is especially important when at a fuel station or when loading or unloading your vehicle.
- Always lock your vehicle when leaving it.
Q: What is the Suffolk SAFEKey key recovery service?
A: The Suffolk SAFEKey key recovery service is a means of ensuring additional protection for your keys in the event that they become lost. Upon registering for the service, you will receive a Suffolk SAFEKey key fob, with an identifying number which is unique to you. Should your keys be found, the finder can simply hand them in to the nearest police station or call the number on the reverse of the fob. This will enable the Suffolk SAFEKey team to match up the fob number with your details stored on our database and organise the safe return of your keys to you. The finder will receive a £10 reward courtesy of Suffolk SAFEKey. Your details are never revealed to the finder guaranteeing total confidentiality.
Q: What is the Suffolk SAFEKey keyholder database service?
A: The Suffolk SAFEKey keyholder database service holds a record of your registered property in Suffolk, your associated keyholders and registered key fobs. Your keyholder is someone you can trust, who lives in close vicinity to your property and will have access to it when you are absent. Unless you subscribe to a monitored alarm service for your property and/or premises the only way Suffolk Constabulary can contact your keyholders in the event of an emergency is via the Suffolk SAFEKey service. Although the sole property of Suffolk Constabulary, the database and key recovery service is operated and maintained on behalf of Suffolk Constabulary by Keycare Ltd.
Q: Do I need to have an alarm to register with Suffolk SAFEKey?
A: Suffolk SAFEKey is available to all properties whether they are fitted with an alarm or not.
Q: Is registration open to all residential and non-residential properties?
A: Suffolk SAFEKey is available to all business and residential properties in Suffolk.
Q: Why should I register?
A: Naturally, as a Suffolk property or business owner, you want to take every precaution necessary to protect your property. Unless you subscribe to a monitored alarm service, Suffolk SAFEKey is the only way Suffolk Constabulary can contact your keyholders in order to gain access to your home or business in the event of an emergency.
For residential members any key attached to the fob is covered, not just your home keys. For business users any business related key is covered, including company cars.
Q: Are my property details secure?
A: The records on the Suffolk SAFEKey database are the property of Suffolk Constabulary and can only be accessed via a secure process which is bound by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. The database is operated and maintained by Keycare Ltd who is the administrator and Service Provider for Suffolk Constabulary's SAFEKey database.
Q: What are the benefits of registering?
A: Suffolk SAFEKey will assist in providing you with greater confidence in the security of your property, as well as peace of mind. Please remember, unless you subscribe to a monitored alarm service, Suffolk SAFEKey is the only way Suffolk Constabulary can contact your keyholders in order to gain access to your home or business in the event of an emergency. Other benefits include:
- £10 reward to the finder of your keys, courtesy of Suffolk SAFEKey
- You don’t have to be a Suffolk resident or business, Suffolk SAFEKey operates across the UK & EU.
- Notification of found keys typically within 24 hours of being lost.
- Affordable membership, money generated supports local charities.
- Emergency helpline 24 hours a day 365 days a year
- Access to contact details for a nationwide network of approved locksmiths***
- Accessible emergency contact and keyholder details should the police be called to your unattended property
- Secure and encrypted online management of your registered information
- Reduced risk of forced entry to your property and potential incurred costs
- A window sticker to confirm registration to officers attending your address
- Storage of a key holder for residents and two for businesses
- Residents have the opportunity to extend membership to protect family members residing with them. Extra key fobs can also be purchased for business users.
For further information about upgrading your membership or purchasing additional fobs call us on 08444 121 802*.
Q: What does membership not include?
- Keys lost when such keys are not attached to the fob
- Keys lost from someone other than the subscriber, as a residential member, or any employer/ee of a registered business
- Loss of any property other than a key, infra-red handset and/or alarm which is integral to any key attached to the fob
- Loss of a key which occurs outside the period of membership to the scheme
- Any charges relating to locksmith assistance provided unless you have upgraded your membership
- Attendance to any incident by Suffolk Constabulary to a property outside the County of Suffolk. If your property is outside Suffolk, you cannot register for the keyholder service, but may still use the key recovery service. Subscription to a limited service would still be charged at full price.
Q: How much does it cost for a residential property?
A: Residential registrations cost £12.00 (including VAT) per year.
Q: How much does it cost for a non-residential property?
A: Non-residential registrations cost £24.00 (including VAT) per branch registered per year
Q: How quickly can I expect my registration to be on the database and key fob to be effective?
A: All registrations should be effective within seven days of transaction completion. Once you receive your key fob, you must attach it to your keys immediately to ensure they are covered. Keys cannot be recovered if they are not attached to your fob. No other action is required.
Q: How long does my membership last?
A: Your Suffolk SAFEKey membership lasts for 12 months from registration date. We will write to you and let you know when it's time to renew your membership in plenty of time giving you chance to renew and ensure your details remain on our database. You will have the opportunity to renew by annual direct debit meaning your membership will automatically be renewed and guaranteed year on year.
Q: How can I update my details?
A: You can access your records via the Suffolk SAFEKey database by using your unique key fob number and registered postcode to log in. You can change any of your details via the Suffolk SAFEKey website or alternatively by calling the hotline on 08444 121 802*. If you do not have access to the website or a phone you may notify us of any changes by post by writing to:
Keycare SAFEKey
PO Box 325
Shipley
BD18 9DQ
Please quote your fob number on all correspondences. The database is completely 'live', so as soon as you 'save' your changes they are immediately accessible to Suffolk Constabulary. You can update your details at any time.
Q: What happens after I register?
A: Once you register for your Suffolk SAFEKey membership we will send you a welcome pack containing your Suffolk SAFEKey key fob and window sticker. Please quote your unique key fob number on all correspondence when contacting us and use it along with your registered postcode to update your records on the Suffolk SAFEKey website. Please place your window sticker clearly in your window to enable officers to identify you and your property as a Suffolk SAFEKey member.
Q: Who can I nominate as a Keyholder?
A: A keyholder is someone you trust, such as a friend or staff member, who lives within 20 minutes of the Suffolk SAFEKey registered property, that Suffolk Constabulary can contact allowing access to the premises in your absence. Only properties in Suffolk can register a keyholder for their property.
It is your responsibility to seek permission from your nominated keyholder(s) to include their details in the Suffolk Safekey keyholder database. You will be required to add these via the Suffolk Safekey website after you join the scheme and can amend them at any time. The keyholder information we hold is used solely for contacting them in an emergency and for no other reason. Their details will not be shared with any other organisations other than the emergency services supporting the scheme.
Q: How many keyholders and key fobs can I register for my residential property?
A: A maximum of four key holders, can be registered for residential properties. Upon registration, you will receive one key fob. From as little as £6 including VAT additional fobs can be purchased for additional sets of keys and for other members of your family residing with you. There is no limit on the number of fobs you can purchase. Additional fobs can be purchased by calling us on 08444 121 802*.
Q: How many keyholders and key fobs can I register for my non-residential property?
A: A maximum of four key holders, can be registered for non-residential properties. Upon registration, you will receive one key fob. From as little as £12 including VAT additional fobs can be purchased for additional sets of keys and for other members of your workforce. There is no limit on the number of fobs you can purchase for your registered property. Additional fobs can be purchased by calling us on 08444 121 802*.
Q: Can I register more than one property?
A: Yes, you can register multiple properties with the same keyholders. Please remember that you need to register each property separately and registration costs are per property.
Q: Can I register multiple properties with the same keyholders?
A: Yes, you can register multiple properties with the same keyholders. Please remember that you need to register each property separately and registration costs are per property.
Q: Who has access to my information?
A: Access to your information is strictly reserved for the Suffolk Constabulary Control Room who will provide access to other emergency services if necessary such as: Ambulance and Fire Brigade Command Centre's and Local Borough Council Environmental Health Departments. Keycare Ltd also has access to your records enabling them to provide the administration of the Suffolk SAFEKey service.
Q: How often do I need to renew my membership?
A: Your Suffolk SAFEKey membership lasts for 12 months from registration date. We will write to you and let you know when it's time to renew your membership in plenty of time giving you chance to renew and ensure your details remain on our database. You will have the opportunity to renew by annual direct debit meaning your membership will automatically be renewed and guaranteed year on year.
Q: We're going away on holiday, but I'm worried about our home security?
A: Follow these tips and make it as difficult as possible for burglars, thieves and vandals. Take away opportunities for the criminal and keep your home and contents safe.
Q: I can hear someone's alarm going off - what should I do?
A: If you hear an alarm and see something suspicious, ring the police immediately. If, however, the alarm is more of a noise nuisance because clearly there is nothing visibly untoward going on, ring the Environmental Health Officer at your local council.
Q: Can I purchase a membership if I reside outside of the Suffolk area?
A: The key fob recovery service is available to those who reside outside of Suffolk, however, the keyholder database part of the Suffolk SAFEKey service is only available to residential and business owners within the county of Suffolk. If you live outside the Suffolk area you are able to purchase key fob recovery and assistance cover only
The cost is £12.00 (including VAT) per year for residential property owners and £24.00 (including VAT) per branch, registered per year for commercial property owners. There are three ways to register - either register your membership online or you can call the 'Registration Hotline' on 08444 121 802* or by writing to
Keycare SAFEKey
PO Box 325
Shipley
BD18 9DQ
Please ensure you clearly state when joining that you only want the key fob recovery and assistance product as you live outside the county of Suffolk. Once registered and you have received your key fob and welcome pack, to ensure your complete security, you can use your unique key fob number and registered postcode to access your details via the Suffolk SAFEKey database.
* The service charge cost for calling this number is between 0p and 7p per min. You will also be charged an access charge by your phone company.
*** Please note that all costs are payable by you unless cover has been upgraded to the full insured product when locksmith charges will be covered up to the chosen limit of indemnity.