Locked Out of Your House? 7 Expert Tips From Lockforce UK to Get Back In Safely (2025 Guide)
Quick Answer:
If you're locked out of your house, stay calm and follow these steps: check for any open doors or windows, see if someone you trust has a spare key, and if not, call a professional locksmith. Avoid trying to force the door, as it can cause costly damage. If you rent, your landlord may have a key.
Being
locked out of your home is something most people face at least once in their
lives — usually when it's the worst timing. Whether you've lost your keys, left
them inside, or your lock has jammed, the situation is stressful… but it's
rarely as bad as it seems.
At Lockforce
UK, we help people across the country every day who’ve found themselves in
the same situation. And with the right advice — and a reliable locksmith —
getting back in can be easier (and quicker) than you think.
Here’s what to do.
๐ช What To
Do When You’re Locked Out of Your House in 2025
1. Check for Unlocked Doors or Windows
It might
sound obvious, but start by walking around your home to see if:
- The back door was left open
- A side gate gives you access to another
entrance
- Any ground-floor windows are unlocked
Don’t
attempt anything risky (like climbing), and never break a window — it’ll cost
more to repair than hiring a locksmith.
2. Call Someone Who Has a Spare Key
Do you
live with a partner, family member or housemate? Call them — they may be able
to come home or give access remotely if you’ve got a smart lock.
If
you’ve given a spare key to a neighbour, friend or relative, now’s the time to
reach out.
3. Check for a Hidden Key (Carefully)
Some
people still keep a spare key outside. If you do, check the usual places in
case a partner or family member has left one out (you never know but we have
seen it happen when we have turned up to help):
- A key safe
- Behind a garden feature
- In a trusted hiding spot
๐ Security
tip for 2025: Avoid classic places like under the mat or a plant pot.
Burglars know those tricks. A Police Approved Key Safe is the best approach,
not a cheap one from Amazon.
4. Call a Trusted Locksmith
If the
above options don’t work, it’s time to call in the professionals.
At Lockforce
UK, we provide:
- The quickest and most effective entry back
into your property, based on
your situation
- Fast response, 24 hours a day in many
areas
- Local, DBS-checked locksmiths you can trust
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
We’ve helped thousands of people back into their homes quickly, safely, and without stress.
Top Tip – spend a few
minutes checking reviews and recommendations before calling a locksmith you
haven’t heard of before. And be wary of LOW (cheap) call out rates.
5. If You Rent, Contact Your Landlord
Landlords
or letting agents often have spare keys — especially for emergency access. If
it’s during business hours, they may be able to come out or send someone.
Just double-check your tenancy agreement to see who’s responsible for the cost if a locksmith is needed.
6. Don’t Force the Door
It’s
tempting. You’re cold, annoyed, and maybe in a rush. But don’t do what we have
seen on many occasions:
- Try to kick the door in – you’ll more likely
to hurt yourself
- Use a credit card – unless its maxed out and
you don’t want to use it anymore ๐
- Jam it open with a screwdriver – not many
people carry a spare screwdriver but it won’t help when locked out.
Forcing
the door can:
- Wreck your lock, frame or handle
- Void your insurance
- Lead to repair bills far higher than a locksmith’s fee
7. Wait Somewhere Safe
If it’s
cold, dark or you’re feeling vulnerable, wait in a neighbour’s house, your car,
or a nearby shop. Stay calm — help is on the way.
Why Lockforce UK?
As a
national network of independent local locksmiths, Lockforce UK offers:
- ✅ Clear and honest response
times
- ๐ Safe, damage-free entry
- ๐งพ Upfront pricing with no surprises
- ⭐ 25k 5 star
reviews
- ๐ฎ♂️ DBS-checked, fully insured
professionals
Common Lock Out Questions Answered
❓Can I break into my own house?
Legally,
you can attempt to enter your own property, but any damage caused is your
responsibility. If the police are called or you injure yourself, it could make
matters worse. We don’t recommend it.
❓Will a locksmith damage my door?
No. At
Lockforce, we use various entry methods but damaging the door is not one of
them. In extreme cases additional measures are required but we will assess the
situation and keep you informed of what we are doing and why.
❓Can my insurance cover this?
Sometimes.
If your keys were stolen or it’s classed as an emergency, your home
insurance or contents policy may cover the cost of a locksmith. Keep
the invoice to claim later.
❓How quickly can a locksmith
arrive?
Our team
will tell you what they can do, and what they can’t. If we can be with you in 30
to 60 minutes, we will tell you. Our teams work at all times throughout the
week, and as much as we are 24x7 we do take some time off occasionally.
Locked Out Right Now? Call Lockforce UK
We're
here to help get you back inside — fast, safely, and with zero drama.
๐ 0333 567 8920
Author:
Sean Taylor
UK’s Trusted Locksmith Network

Lockforce Expands into Huddersfield
Lockforce are very pleased to welcome Holly – the latest locksmith to join our growing network.
Originally from Teesside and having worked alongside Alastair at Lockforce Middlesbrough, Holly brings with her over three years of hands-on locksmith experience.
She has recently made the move to West Yorkshire and is now proud to be launching her own business serving Huddersfield and the surrounding areas.
If you live in Huddersfield or anywhere with an HD postcode and need a local, professional locksmith you can trust, call Holly on 01484 212 125 or visit her page: www.lockforce.co.uk/locksmith/huddersfield/
7 Ways to Spot a Rogue Locksmith (2025) | Lockforce UK
“Don’t Get Locked into a Scam” — that’s the message we want every UK household to hear loud and clear.
As the Managing Director of Lockforce UK — a national network of locally-based trusted locksmiths — I’ve become increasingly concerned about the rise in rogue operators who exploit people during emergency callouts.
This article shares real experiences from across our network, the red flags you should watch for, and practical advice you can act on today to protect yourself tomorrow.
If there
is only thing you take away from this today, it is to save down the phone number
of a trusted and reputable locksmith in your area.
A Growing Crisis in the Locksmith Industry
It is disappointing to report that locksmithing in the UK remains unregulated, meaning anyone can advertise themselves as a locksmith without training, qualifications, or criminal background checks.
The consequences of this lack of regulation are serious. In 2024 alone, complaints about rogue locksmiths rose by 25%, with over 350 reports made to the Master Locksmiths Association.
That’s hundreds of cases
where people were misled, overcharged, or left insecure in their own homes.
Local Victims. Real Stories.
We’ve seen this happen again and again. Take this example from one of our locksmiths, Peter Luckley (Lockforce Henley) who was called out to help a distressed homeowner. She had been locked out, contacted a locksmith online, and was quoted a modest fee. The person who arrived wasn’t local, demanded hundreds of pounds, and then threatened to leave her property unsecured when she refused to pay more. That night, she pushed a sofa against the door to feel safe.
In another case, a customer
was promised a new lock and a spare key — but the spare key never arrived. Peter
inspected the work and discovered it was a cheap lock, poorly fitted, and
entirely unnecessary. Even worse, the supposed “local locksmith” had travelled over
60 miles to get there — a clear sign of deceptive advertising and a likely
lead-generation middleman.
7 Warning Signs You’re
Dealing with a Rogue Locksmith
1. Low “Starting Prices”
That Skyrocket
You’ve seen the ads —
“Emergency Locksmith from £39!”. But these are almost always bait-and-switch
tactics. Once on-site, rogue traders inflate costs with mysterious extras. Some
charge £300–£500 for basic entry, when the job should be closer to
£90–£150.
According to the MLA, this is one of the most common complaints they receive.
2. No Uniform, No
Identification
A professional locksmith will arrive in uniform and carry an ID badge. If someone turns up in plain clothes, can't identify themselves, or appears vague about who they work for — it’s a red flag.
3. Unmarked or
Questionable Vehicles
Many rogue locksmiths show up in unbranded vans or private cars, often without proper tools. This not only suggests a lack of professionalism but may indicate they’re working under the radar — and may not be insured or DBS-checked.
4. A Suspicious or Fake
Online Presence
Just because someone appears
in local Google search results doesn’t mean they’re local. Many rogue outfits
create fake location-based websites and use call centres to farm out
leads to distant, unvetted subcontractors.
In multiple cases, we’ve seen locksmiths travel 50–100 miles to a job, posing as a local expert.
5. Pushy Behaviour or
Aggressive Payment Demands
Rogues are known for pressuring customers mid-job to pay more — often refusing to leave without cash or even demanding payment to stop work that hasn’t been done. If a locksmith won’t give a written quote up front or insists on cash, walk away.
6. Unnecessary Drilling
and Lock Destruction
Many rogue locksmiths don’t have the skills or tools to use non-destructive techniques. They go straight to drilling out the lock — which can damage the door and lead to excessive costs. A professional locksmith will explore all options available then explain and agree an appropriate action and related costs before commencement of work. There are many occasions where drilling the lock can offer the quickest and most effective action in the circumstances, but non-destructive entry will always be considered.
7. No Receipts, No Spare
Keys, No Peace of Mind
If someone fits a new lock
and doesn’t hand over a full set of keys or written receipt, your security
could be compromised. In a recent incident we handled, the rogue never returned
with the spare key — leaving the customer unsure who had access to her home.
A professional locksmith will issue paperwork, a warranty, and ensure you receive all keys before leaving.
How You Can Protect Yourself — Starting Now
You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to prepare.
Here are five steps you can take today:
- Save a trustworthy locksmith’s number in your phone now. That way, you won’t be forced to rely on whoever appears first online in an emergency.
- Avoid
locksmiths advertising suspiciously low prices. If it
looks too good to be true, it usually is.
- Check
reviews across multiple platforms, including Trustist and
Google. Look for clear local ties and genuine feedback.
- Ask
questions: Are you local? Are you DBS-checked? Can I see ID?
- Ask for
a recommendation from a friend or family member.
Why Lockforce Cares
This article isn’t about promoting Lockforce — it’s about protecting people. We believe in our mission: Keeping You Safe.
That means calling out rogue behaviour when we see it and helping residents across the UK stay informed and empowered.
We’re proud to work
alongside brilliant locksmiths across the country. Real people. Real
professionals. Real peace of mind.
Need Help or Want to Save
a Trusted Number?
Find your nearest vetted Lockforce locksmith using our postcode search below.
Lockforce UK proudly the most reviewed locksmith company in the UK.
Written by Sean Taylor, Managing Director of Lockforce UK
(18th May 2025)

Should I Change My Locks? 2025 Guide from Lockforce UK
Changing locks isn’t something most people think about until they need to.
But whether you’ve moved house, lost a key, or experienced a security scare, changing your locks can be a smart and necessary step to protect your home or business.
In this guide, we'll explore when and why you should change your locks, the benefits of doing so, and how Lockforce UK can help you keep your property secure.
When Should You Change Your Locks?
There are several situations where changing your locks is
strongly recommended:
1. Moving Into a New Home
If you've just moved into a new house or flat, you can’t be
certain who has copies of the keys. Estate agents, previous owners, or even
contractors might still have access. Changing the locks ensures that only you
and those you trust can enter your home.
2. Lost or Stolen Keys
If your keys go missing, there's always a risk that someone
could use them to access your property. Rather than taking a chance, replacing
your locks eliminates the risk of unauthorised entry.
3. Break-Ins or Attempted Burglaries
If your home or business has been broken into, it's crucial
to replace your locks immediately. Even if the burglar didn't take a key, they
may have tampered with the lock or found a way to enter your property again.
4. Divorce or Separation
If you’ve recently separated from a partner and they
previously had access to your property, changing your locks ensures that only
those you permit can enter. This is particularly important in cases where
relations may not be amicable.
5. Tenant or Employee Turnover
Landlords should change locks between tenants to prevent
former occupants from gaining access. Similarly, if a disgruntled employee
leaves or a business undergoes management changes, updating locks is a
necessary security measure.
6. Old or Damaged Locks
Locks suffer wear and tear over time, making them easier to
pick or break. If your locks are rusty, stiff, or malfunctioning, replacing
them can enhance security and prevent lockouts.
7. Upgrading Security
If you want to improve the security of your property,
upgrading to modern high-security locks, such as anti-snap, anti-bump, and
British Standard BS3621 locks, can provide better protection against break-ins.
What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Locks?
Replacing your locks offers several benefits:
- Enhanced
Security – Ensures that only authorised individuals have access to
your home or business.
- Peace
of Mind – Eliminates concerns about lost or stolen keys falling into
the wrong hands.
- Improved
Lock Performance – New locks operate smoothly and reduce the risk of
lock failures.
- Compliance
with Insurance Requirements – Many insurance policies require locks to
meet British Standards (BS3621). Failing to comply could invalidate your
insurance.
What Type of Lock Should You Choose?
There are different types of locks suitable for various
doors and security needs:
- Euro
Cylinder Locks – Commonly used in uPVC and composite doors, but should
be upgraded to anti-snap versions.
- Mortice
Locks – Often found in wooden doors, these should meet BS3621 for
insurance compliance.
- Night
Latches (Yale Locks) – A convenient secondary lock, best combined with
a mortice lock for extra security.
- Smart
Locks – Keyless options that use digital codes or smartphone access,
ideal for modern security setups.
Why Choose Lockforce UK for Lock Changes?
At Lockforce UK, we specialise in professional lock
replacement and upgrades for homes and businesses across the UK. Our
experienced locksmiths provide:
- Fast
Response Times – Emergency locksmith services available.
- Expert
Security Advice – Recommendations tailored to your property’s security
needs.
- High-Quality
British Standard Locks – Ensuring compliance with insurance
requirements.
- No
Call-Out Fees – Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Need to Change Your Locks? Contact Lockforce UK Today!
If you’re asking, “Should I change my locks?”, the
answer is probably yes. Don’t leave your property’s security to
chance—let Lockforce UK help you stay protected.
๐ Call us now on 0333 567 8920
๐
Visit our website at: www.lockforce.co.uk
Secure your home, business, and peace of mind with
professional locksmith services from Lockforce UK.

Lockforce Expands into Wakefield
Lockforce are very pleased to welcome Tim Ashby - the latest locksmith in our growing network!

Lockforce Expands into Kingston Upon Thames
Lockforce are over the moon to welcome Clive Hunt as our latest locksmith who will be serving Kingston, Epsom, Weybridge and all KT postcodes in between.
Lockforce Expands into Stockport
Lockforce are delighted to welcome Marcus Priestnall as one of our latest locksmiths who will be serving his home town patch of Stockport and surrounding areas.