Lock changes after lost or stolen keys in Stevenage, Hitchin and North Herts

Do I need to change my locks?

That depends on what went missing with the keys. If they were lost on their own, somewhere far from home, the risk is lower. If they were taken along with something that shows your address, such as a bag, wallet, driving licence or post, anyone who has them could find your door. In that case changing the locks soon is the safer choice.

The same applies when keys have been stolen in a burglary, when a former partner or lodger has not returned a set, or when you have moved into a home and have no idea how many copies exist.

What if the keys were stolen?

Report the theft to the police on 101 or online, unless a crime is happening now, in which case call 999. Most addresses here are covered by Hertfordshire Constabulary, and SG8 villages over the border by Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Make a note of the crime reference number, because your insurer will probably ask for it.

What actually gets replaced?

It depends on the lock. On many uPVC and composite doors, and on some timber doors, the key works a euro cylinder that sits in the lock. Swapping the cylinder is enough to make the old keys useless, and the rest of the mechanism can stay. On a mortice lock, the whole lock may be changed, or in some cases the inside can be altered to suit a new key. A rim night latch usually needs a new cylinder or a whole new latch.

A locksmith can tell you which applies to each door. Change every lock the missing keys opened, including back doors, side gates and garages, not just the front door.

Is this a good time to upgrade?

Often, yes. If the cylinder on a uPVC or composite door is old, it may be open to snapping, a quick method of attack that breaks the cylinder and lets the lock be worked. A replacement that carries the TS 007 Kitemark with three stars, or a one-star cylinder fitted with two-star security handles, is rated to resist this kind of attack.

On a timber front door, some home insurance policies ask for a mortice deadlock made to BS 3621, the British Standard for thief-resistant locks. Look for the standard number marked on the faceplate. Read your own policy wording rather than assuming what it requires.

Can I control who copies the new keys?

Some cylinders come with keys that cannot be cut by an ordinary key cutting shop, and copies are only made on proof of ownership, such as a card supplied with the lock. That can help when keys pass between several people, or when you want to know exactly how many sets are out there. Ask the locksmith what they can supply.

Should I tell my insurer?

It is sensible to. Some home insurance policies include cover for replacing locks after keys are lost or stolen, often with conditions. Others exclude it. Your insurer may also expect you to act promptly once you know a key is missing, so check your policy and keep the receipt for the work.

I rent my home. Can I change the locks?

Read your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord or letting agent first. Many agreements say you must not change locks without permission, and most landlords will want a key. If keys have been stolen, your landlord has a strong reason to agree, and may arrange the work themselves.

What if only one key in the set is missing?

Count what you still have. If a spare has gone from a hook or a drawer and you cannot account for it, treat it as lost. Keeping a written note of who holds each key makes this easier next time. It also helps to know whether a key safe, a cleaner or a dog walker has a copy, because those keys can go astray without anyone noticing for a while.

What should my enquiry say?

• your postcode
• how the keys went missing and whether your address was with them
• which doors they opened, and what kind of doors those are
• whether you want the locks changed like for like or upgraded
• whether you rent or own the home