Getting locked out of your home or discovering a damaged lock can be stressful, and knowing whether to call a locksmith or the police isn't always straightforward. Making the right call can save you time, money, and potentially preserve evidence if a crime has occurred.
When to Call a Locksmith First
Most lock-related situations are straightforward emergencies that require a locksmith rather than police involvement. You should contact a locksmith directly if you:
- Are locked out of your home without your keys
- Have lost your keys and need new locks fitted for security
- Have a broken key stuck in the lock
- Notice your lock is stiff, damaged or malfunctioning
- Need to upgrade your locks for insurance purposes
- Have a faulty UPVC door mechanism
- Want additional security measures installed
These are all common situations that don't involve criminal activity. A qualified locksmith can typically arrive within 30-60 minutes and resolve the issue efficiently. When booking, ask for a clear quote upfront – locksmith prices can vary significantly, and emergency call-outs naturally cost more than planned work during business hours.
When to Call the Police Instead
You must contact the police before calling a locksmith if there's any indication of criminal activity. Call 999 immediately if:
- You arrive home to find your door damaged or forced open
- You suspect someone has broken into your property
- You witness a burglary in progress
- You discover someone has entered your home without permission
- You notice obvious signs of forced entry such as drill marks around the lock
The police need to attend first to document the crime scene, collect evidence, and take your statement. They'll photograph the damage and check for fingerprints or other forensic evidence. Only after the police have finished their investigation should you call a locksmith to secure your property. If you repair or replace the locks before the police arrive, you may destroy important evidence and could affect any insurance claim.
The Grey Areas: Suspected Break-Ins
Sometimes you're not certain whether a break-in has occurred. Perhaps you're not sure if you left the door unlocked yourself, or there's minor damage that could have been accidental. In these situations, err on the side of caution and call the police on the non-emergency number 101.
They can assess the situation and advise whether they need to attend. Even if it seems minor, reporting potential criminal activity creates an official record that may be important for insurance purposes or if there's a pattern of attempted break-ins in your area.
What to Expect When You Call a Locksmith
When you contact a locksmith, they should provide specific information before attending. A reputable professional will give you a rough quote over the phone, explain their call-out charge, and provide an estimated arrival time. They should arrive in a clearly marked vehicle with proper identification.
Before the locksmith starts work, they should verify you're the property owner or tenant – expect to show proof such as a driving licence matching the address or a recent utility bill. This is good practice that protects you from rogue traders and protects legitimate residents from unauthorised entry.
The locksmith will assess the situation and provide a final quote before beginning work. If the price seems excessive or changes dramatically from the phone quote without good reason, you're within your rights to refuse and call someone else. Getting multiple quotes from different locksmiths is sensible for planned work, though obviously less practical in genuine emergencies.
Emergency Lockouts After Police Attendance
If the police have attended due to a break-in, you'll need to secure your property quickly once they've finished. The police may recommend local locksmiths, but you're not obligated to use their suggestions. However, speed becomes essential at this point – you cannot leave your property unsecured.
Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency services for exactly these situations. Keep in mind that after a break-in, you'll likely need to replace rather than repair your locks. Even if the locks appear functional, they may have been compromised, and your insurance company will probably require new locks as a condition of the claim.
For insurance purposes, keep all receipts and take photographs of the damage before repairs. Your insurer may cover the cost of emergency locksmith services following a break-in, but you'll need documentation to support your claim.