Blog Post

The process of being locked out

Simon G • May 25, 2018

Locked out? Take a minute and read this.

Locked out in our area? Contact us for help

A large number of Locksmith jobs come from people being locked out . It can be a very stressful situation when you don't know what to do so here we go through multiple things that should be ticked off a list ensuring that you can stay calm.

1 - The realisation you are locked out. This can be due to a few different reasons and each reason is handled the same way more or less. You may have just left the keys inside the door , or inside the house and the door has just shut behind you. Maybe you get back home put your hands in your pockets/ handbag and realise the keys aren't there. Once you realise you don't have keys to gain access to your property take a deep breath. No matter what happens you will be able to get in so there is nothing to worry about.

2. Making 100% sure you know where your keys are, whether that's double checking the car or calling your friends to make sure they aren't there. Getting your keys may be the easiest way to gain access to your property, especially in the case of high security locks. Regardless of whether you can get the keys to use or not, it's best to know where they are. If you can't find your keys and know they are lost we can move on to solving the problem.

3. Check your windows or back door. Often in cases of people getting locked out with the door slamming behind them it's due to a window being open, crosswind. If your property is on the ground floor and you have left a window open, problem solved. Maybe you didn't lock the back door, you just went to get the delivery, problem solved. Double check the windows, as often they are not fully locked and in some cases by jiggling the window you can release the latch . Just be sure to lock up properly when you do intend to leave the house.

4. Check with a neighbour or close (proximity) relative for a spare key. This can be the best solution and we advise all homeowners to bestow a spare key on a trusted relative who lives nearby, or a trusted neighbour. Provided you have two different locks on your door, only one will lock you out when the door closes, give that key to the neighbour that way you can deadlock your door and they still can't access it when you go on holiday.

5. Failed lock scenario. In cases like this even after gaining access to the property due to the lock not function the door won't be accessible. As this can pose a fire hazard it's best to contact a local emergency locksmith service to remove the lock and replace it. The Locksmith will ensure that there will be minimal damage to the lock and in most cases zero damage to the door or frame, meaning there is no cover up job to take care of afterwards.

6. Provided you have a basic latch lock you may want to try slipping your lock. It's not easy, but if you happen across either a wire hanger, or handy bit of plastic, you can bypass or slip your lock on your own door. Check our previous blog post for a more in depth look at how to slip your lock.

7. Search for a local trusted Locksmith near youoperating 24/7. Using a search engine to find local Locksmiths you can view their reviews and make sure they provide a quality service before even booking them. If you get locked out without your phone, it's easy to ask a passerby to do a quick search, check the best reviews and make a quick call. This will take minutes to do and the Locksmith will most likely gain access to your property with no damage to you property and in most cases to your locks within the hour.

8. In cases of lost keys, where you aren't sure where your keys are, or you know where they are and they aren't in safe hands, it's best to call a Locksmith to provide a lock change service. This can either be done to gain access, in this case you will be charged emergency service charges. Better case scenario, if you manage to gain access to your property you can book a Locksmith for a time that's convenient for you and this way won't get charged emergency service charge.

In any extreme scenarios it's best to contact a local Locksmith , they can advise on the best solutions to the problem and in some cases help over the phone. We provide free advice so if you have any other questions feel free to contact us.
Call us now on 02031510531 - 24/7 Locksmith services in Wandsworth serving South West London and more.

Regardless of the situation, it happens to everyone. Whether it's due to a failed lock, lost keys , or simply shutting the door behind you in a rush. Don't panic, there's always a solution.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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