Are Locksmiths operating during the covid-19 outbreak?
July 30, 2025
A few tips and news on finding a locksmith in London during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Are you looking to hire a locksmith during the Coronavirus outbreak in London? We aim to provide the answers if you need a locksmith during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Locks can easily become a surface that will hold the virus for an unknown, but potentially dangerous amount of time. According to some of the latest research, this can be up to 3 hours, which means anyone touching the lock can then pass on the Coronavirus. It is important for both our colleagues and customer to keep this in mind when dealing with locks.
With the progression of the novel Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak, most locksmiths are doing everything they can to help reduce the spread of the virus whilst still providing emergency services. Below we will go through your chances of finding a locksmith who can help. We will cover a list of services that locksmiths can offer during this time and which types of locksmiths will be operating.
Are locksmith open during Coronavirus?
Emergency mobile locksmiths during Coronavirus
In almost all cases there will be an emergency Mobile locksmith located within an hours distance from you. As Mobile locksmiths have more or less a shop inside their vehicles they can tend to many kinds of situations. Emergency mobile locksmith will often work closer to city centers to cover the most areas. Most Emergency mobile locksmiths will still be operating during the Coronavirus , easiest thing to do is Google the 2 or 3 nearest to you and give them a call.
As most locksmiths operate on their own, and don't need to interact with customers inside of the 2 meter social distancing rules, the chance of spread is very low.
Locksmith Retail Shops Majority Closed
A number of our locksmiths have closed their retail shops although this is not mandated by governmentit is best practice to avoid more ques.
Commercial locksmiths
Commercial locksmiths are slightly harder to come by in any case. These locksmiths will often do jobs on large steel doors and will have a group of guys working on one job due to the size of the doors. This means that most of them will not be operating apart from extreme emergency jobs. Most will be assisting the NHS by providing services for the new NHS Nightingales. As most stores are closed unless its an essential service, they will refuse the job.
Locked out the house during Coronavirus, Can a Locksmith Help?
Locksmiths who specialise in lockouts & lock opening will still be operating during Coronavirus, although locksmiths will likely be taking special hygiene precautions during the outbreak such as cleaning any door locks and door handles touched etc. SMS Locksmiths are currently operating a full emergency lockout service, just give us a call to find out more.
What Services are Locksmiths providing during the Coronavirus Outbreak?
Most locksmiths in the UK are still operating normal mobile and emergency services, so you will be able to find a locksmith during COVID-19 for:
Locksmiths Open During COVID-19
- Emergency Locksmiths during Coronavirus (24 Hour services)
- Lockouts and lock opening
- 24 Hour locksmith service
- Replacing lost keys*
- Key Cutting and copying*
- Door lock repairs
- Installing burglar alarms and CCTV**
- Auto Locksmith service for car keys and opening car locks
- Lost car keys and car key programming
*Provided they have a key cutting machine, always ask the locksmiths first
**Some locksmiths will only be providing emergency services only and unless there is a risk will not take on large new projects.
What are SMS locksmiths doing?
The safety of our locksmiths, customers and work colleagues is always our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and following the latest advice from the UK Government.
To protect your safety we are taking the following actions:
1. Wearing gloves on every job
All our locksmiths will wear gloves and will not be shaking hands.
They also sanitise their hands before and after each job, in most cases with soap, to ensure no virus can be carried over.
2. Wearing masks in cases of vulnerable customers
Locksmiths will carry with them masks at all times
Locksmiths will wear the masks especially on jobs with vulnerable customers
3. Sanitising card machines
Locksmiths who carry card machines will ensure they are sanitised before and after each job
Phones & pencils are sanitised before and after each job
What should customers do?
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
- Keep a safe 2 meter distance between you and any trades-person in your home
Customers will be asked to let us know if they are self-isolating or if anyone in the property is, and if so appointments will be rearranged
Summary on Locksmiths during Coronavirus
At the moment locksmiths throughout the UK are operating a normal service but taking extra security precautions to prevent the spreading of the disease. For more information just give us a call or send us an email here.
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
 If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
