Blog Post

Are Locksmiths operating during the covid-19 outbreak?

Simon G • April 6, 2020

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.

By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham , help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times . Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
When you’re locked out, you need help fast – but who do you call? It might be tempting to ring the first number you find online, often a national call centre , but choosing a local locksmith can make all the difference. The Problem with National Call Centres Big national firms often outsource work to subcontractors. That means long wait times, unclear pricing, and poor communication. You might end up paying more for a job done with less care. Why Local Locksmiths Are Better 1. Faster Response Times A local locksmith like SMS Locksmith is nearby and can often be with you in under 30 minutes . 2. Transparent Pricing We don’t believe in hidden fees or inflated charges. What we quote is what you pay. 3. Personal Service You're not just a ticket number – we care about your safety and satisfaction. Our locksmiths are local, polite, and highly experienced. 4. Local Knowledge We know the area, the types of doors and locks common in homes, and how best to secure them. Whether you’re in Worcester Park , Twickenham , Chelsea , or Clapham , we’ve got your area covered.  Next time you need a locksmith, go local. Choose SMS Locksmith for expert service and complete peace of mind.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Feeling safe in your own home is non-negotiable. Whether you live near Twickenham Green or closer to the stadium, basic home security steps can go a long way in preventing break-ins. As your trusted Twickenham locksmith , we’ve put together a quick checklist to help you protect your property. Check All Entry Points Burglars often look for easy access through back doors, garages or windows. Make sure all entry points are fitted with quality locks – and don’t forget your shed or side gate . Upgrade to British Standard Locks Many older locks don’t meet insurance standards. Our Twickenham locksmiths can upgrade your locks to British Standard quickly and affordably. Don’t Hide Keys Outside That flower pot or fake rock is the first place a burglar will look. Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors. Instead, consider a secure key safe or trusted neighbour. Install Outdoor Lighting Motion-activated lights are a simple but effective deterrent – and they also make it safer when returning home after dark. Book a Security Check If you’re unsure where to start, we offer free security assessments across Twickenham. We’ll point out vulnerabilities and offer affordable fixes. Want help securing your home? Contact our expert Twickenham locksmith team today.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea , where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’ve just moved in or simply want to feel more secure, here are the top 5 reasons to consider a lock upgrade. 1. You’ve Just Moved In Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, you can never be sure who else has a copy. Lock replacement ensures that only you have access to your new Chelsea home. 2. Your Current Locks Aren’t Insurance Approved Many insurers require locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks don’t comply, it could invalidate your insurance in the event of a break-in. 3. You've Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Entry After a burglary or even an attempted one, upgrading your locks is essential. We recommend anti-snap and high-security locks that resist drilling, picking, and bumping. 4. Peace of Mind Simply put – upgraded locks help you sleep better at night. Knowing that your home is secure with robust, professionally fitted locks offers lasting peace of mind. Need help upgrading your locks in Chelsea? Visit our Chelsea Locksmith page and get in touch today for expert advice and quick service.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea, where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make.
April 1, 2025
A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe.  Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
March 10, 2025
The importance of home security and the role of residential locksmith services in ensuring safety
Do I need to change my locks?
February 21, 2025
Changing the locks on your doors may not be something you think about often, but it plays a critical role in securing your home or business.
January 20, 2025
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action After a Burglary
Show More
Share by: