Moving house is exciting but also expensive so it can be tempting to try to cut costs. One area in which security experts advise against scrimping, though, is on locks.
The perils of unknown keys
Always remember that you don’t know how many locks are in circulation for your new home, other than the ones you hold, so you should take sensible precautions to stay safe and to secure your new asset.
The previous homeowners may have given keys to family members, neighbours, tradespeople and pet sitters and not all keys get returned. This means that there are potentially people you do not know who could enter your house if they wanted to.
How to get locks changed
When you buy a home, one of the first jobs on your to-do list should be to contact a locksmith Bishop Auckland, such as https://lockwork24-7.co.uk/locksmith/bishop-auckland/, to arrange for new locks to be fitted.
This will give you peace of mind and ensure the validity of your home insurance in the event that you one day need to make a claim.
Other security tips
If other people need to access your home, for example, a cleaner or a dog walker, rather than giving them a spare key, consider installing a keysafe, ideally around the back of the property in a discreet place.
You should also ensure that whenever the property is unattended, all doors and windows are locked. Many windows can be locked to a slightly ajar position, allowing ventilation without risking unauthorised entry.
How opportunistic theft starts with keys and open doors
Not every break-in is planned. Opportunistic theft happens when someone with casual access to a property, such as a passer-by, a visitor or anyone working nearby, takes cash, jewellery or a phone that happens to be in reach. Keys are a common target. Locksmiths are often called out because keys have gone missing, and in most cases the sensible response is to replace the locks just in case.
Moving day is a good example of how the opportunity arises. With tradespeople coming and going, doors are often left open and keys left lying about, which makes it easy for a key to be taken and copied or for a passer-by to wander in.
A few habits help. Keep doors and windows closed and locked whenever nobody is watching. Bins and ladders can give access to upper windows, so lock them away. Move purses, phones and keys out of sight of any window, even for a short break.
What to do if you get locked out
Even with new locks fitted, a lockout can happen in the first weeks when you are still learning the new keys. Staying calm is the first step. Think about who might hold a spare, such as a landlord, a relative or a neighbour, and check whether a back door or window was left unlocked in the rush.
If the door only has a spring latch and is not deadlocked, an old bank card slipped between the frame and the latch at a right angle may free it. Lean on the door and wiggle the card away from the handle. Use a card you can afford to lose, because it can snap.
When that fails, a locksmith is the best option. A trained one can pick or manipulate a lock with little or no damage to the property, and many offer round-the-clock call-outs for homes and businesses. Check that they are approved by a recognised industry body before they start work.
What to do when you are locked out
Being locked out happens to most people at some point. It is natural to feel a little panicked, but staying calm helps you think clearly. Slow, deep breathing is a simple way to settle yourself before deciding what to do.
Start with spare keys. If a friend or relative has one, give them a call. If you know where your own key is, consider whether you can go back for it. Tenants can also ask their landlord, who will often hold a spare.
When nobody nearby has a key and yours is lost, a professional locksmith can let you in and change the locks at the same visit. If your key has gone missing and you do not know where, it is sensible to change the locks even after someone has let you in, for the same reason it makes sense after moving: you cannot be sure who might end up holding it.
Summary
This article advises against cutting costs on locks when moving into a new home, since previous owners may have given keys to family, neighbours or tradespeople that were never returned. It recommends changing the locks straight after moving in, which also protects home insurance validity. It suggests a keysafe for regular visitors like cleaners rather than handing out spare keys, and locking up when unattended.
Questions this article raises
- How much does it typically cost to have all locks changed when moving house?
- Does home insurance actually require locks to be changed after moving in?
- How secure are keysafes compared with giving trusted visitors their own key?
