Oh no! I Have Lost My Keys, What Should I Do?


Fast Assistance for Lost Keys
If you can’t find your keys (not even under the doormat), it’s easy to panic and blank out on what to do next. It can be a stressful and worrying situation, hunting around and retracing your steps and thinking about all the ‘what-ifs’. At Barnsley Lock & Key we totally understand and our expert local locksmiths are here to help!
The priority is to get you safely back inside and then change your door locks for your own security. Our locksmiths are based in the Barnsley area and can arrive with you in under an hour.
You don’t need to over worry or attempt to DIY your way inside, simply give us a call and let one of our trained locksmiths handle the situation. They will ensure that you get back into your property quickly and safely, and importantly without causing any unnecessary damage to your property.
Call our 24/7 helpline:
01226 952 812
For a fast, professional service
Local Expert Locksmiths in Barnsley




What to do When You Lose Your Keys
Losing your keys can be stressful and it’s easy to panic on what to do next. Here’s what you can do to ensure you and your belongings safety.
Breathe and don’t attempt to break into your home
Staying calm and just trying to breathe deeply in and out for a period of time can help you have a clearer mind. Remember, keys can be replaced and you won’t be stuck outside for long! Avoid breaking inside your property as well as this will only incur more damages and costs.
Retrace your steps
Go back over your recent activities such as locations visited, items handled, pockets used. Sometimes keys are only “lost” temporarily and turn up in a familiar spot.
Check with nearby locations
If you were at a shop, café, or office, ask staff if a set of keys was found. Most people are honest and will often hand in a set of keys if they discover them and realise they are potentially lost.
Call a local locksmith in Barnsley
Call a professional locksmith right away as they can get you safely back inside without damaging your property. Our locksmiths are local to Barnsley which is why they can arrive in under an hour. You can call 01226 952 812 and we’ll be right there!
Call relatives or loved ones that may have duplicates
Maybe you have relatives that have spare keys to your home or business property. You can ask them to borrow the duplicates so you can be safely back inside. It might take longer if they live far from you but it’s worth a shot.
Ask for help from your neighbours
Depending on your relationship with your neighbour, you can ask them for help to keep an eye on your property or borrow their phone to call a locksmith.
Prepare for the future
To avoid the stress next time, consider getting a spare key made, installing a keyless entry system, or designating a specific place to keep your keys. Establishing a designated spot for your keys at home is often a good idea, or you may wish to consider using keychains or smart trackers to keep track of them. In addition, where possible ensure a member of your family or a neighbour you trust has a spare key – just in case!
Call: 01226 952 812 Now!
for immediate expert assistance

No-Call-Out Fees

Local Locksmiths

Guaranteed Work

Free Quotes
Our Lost Keys Process
Your property is our top priority, and here’s how we can do that for you no matter what day or time of the week.
Call our 24/7 Helpline for an Immediate Response
We will diagnose the problem, take your details and despatch one of our locksmiths to your location asap!
A Locksmith with you in Under 60 mins
Expect one of our friendly locksmiths in Barnsley to be at your doorstep, ready to help in under an hour!
Non-destructive Entry and Repair Techniques
Worried about damages? Don’t worry, our locksmiths are trained to use non-destructive entry techniques wherever possible!




Common Reasons for Losing House Keys
Misplacing or losing house keys is a common yet distressing experience that can compromise the security of your home and disrupt your daily routine. Several factors contribute to the loss of house keys:
Misplacement
Keys are surprisingly easy to misplace, particularly if you don’t have a dedicated spot to store them. You might toss them on a kitchen counter, leave them in a coat pocket, or place them on a random table, only to forget where they ended up. Establishing a consistent “home” for your keys (like a key hook or bowl) can greatly reduce the likelihood of losing them.
Theft
Unfortunately, keys may be stolen during break-ins, pickpocketing, or other criminal activities. Even a seemingly minor theft, such as someone grabbing your bag, can lead to serious security concerns if your keys and any documents which identify your address are taken together. Remaining vigilant with your belongings, and rekeying or changing locks promptly after a theft, is crucial for maintaining security.
Locked Out – Keys Inside?
We can help if you have accidentally left your keys in your house and are now locked out. Our expert locksmiths can gain entry to most locks without having to change the lock, enabling the continual use of your existing set of keys.
Accidental Dropping
It’s easy to drop keys without noticing, especially if you’re carrying multiple items or in a rush. They can slip out of loose pockets, fall from an open purse, or be left behind in public places. Regularly checking that your keys are secure in a zipped pocket or attached to a keychain can help prevent these accidental losses.
Sharing Keys
Lending your keys to friends, neighbours, or service providers (e.g., cleaners, dog walkers, or repair technicians) inevitably increases the risk of misplacement. People might forget to return them or lose them themselves. Keeping track of who has a copy of your keys and limiting how often you lend them out can help maintain control over your home’s security.
Worn or Damaged Keys
Over time, the metal in keys can wear down from repeated use, causing them to become weak, bent, or brittle. A worn key may suddenly break in the lock or fail to turn properly, making it easy to lose track of the broken piece or assume the key is simply “gone.” Inspecting your keys periodically for signs of wear and tear, and replacing them before they become unreliable, can prevent sudden breakages and subsequent lockouts.
Call our 24/7 helpline:
01226 952 812
For a fast, professional service
Whatever the time, day or night, if you’ve lost your keys, we can help. We operate 24/7 across Barnsley and the surrounding areas of South Yorkshire, providing our services to both domestic and commercial customers who have lost their keys.




Types of Door Locks We Repair or Replace if You Lose Your Keys
When you lose your keys, replacing your locks is a good course of action so you can ensure your safety. Losing your keys and not having access to your locks can be troublesome, but more importantly it can leave you, your loved ones and your possessions at risk.
We offer services on different kinds of locks you can find below, so you don’t have to stress over your safety and security.
- uPVC Door Locks
- Shutter Gate Locks
- Multipoint Locks
- Composite Door Locks
- Garage Door Locks
- Door Mechanisms
- Bifold Door Locks
- Shed Locks
- Wooden Door Locks
- Aluminium Door Locks
Call our 24/7 helpline:
01226 952 812
For a fast, professional service
Emergency Lock Outs and Entry Gain Specialists
At Barnsley Lock & Key our master locksmiths are trained to deal with all the following:
Wooden Doors
3 Lever Mortice Locks
5 Lever Mortice Locks
Night Latches
RIM Cylinders
Yale Locks
uPVC Doors
Anti Snap Cylinders
Euro Cylinders
Failed Mechanisms
High Security Cylinders
Composite Doors
Anti Snap Cylinders
Euro Cylinders
Failed Mechanisms
High Security Cylinders
Bifold Doors
Anti Snap Cylinders
Euro Cylinders
Failed Mechanisms
High Security Cylinders
Aluminium Doors
Anti Snap Cylinders
Euro Cylinders
Failed Mechanisms
High Security Cylinders
Shutters / Gates
Bullet Locks
Half Euro Cylinders
Mortice Locks
Garages
Garage Door Locks
Half Euro Cylinders
T-Handles
Sheds
3 Lever Mortice Locks
5 Lever Mortice Locks
Horizontal Mortice Locks
Call now 01226 952 812
Your Property – Our Priority!




Why Choose Lock & Key Barnsley?
At Lock & Key, we can arrive at your home in under an hour and help you regain access to your home. Our expert local locksmiths can gain entry to most properties without having to change the lock, enabling the continual use of your existing set of keys.
We are proud to say that all our expert locksmiths are both City & Guilds Accredited and NCFE-approved. This means when your local locksmith turns up on your doorstep, you can be totally confident in the service and quality of workmanship you will receive.
Over 30 years serving Barnsley
DBS checked
City & Guilds Accredited
Full warranty
In-house trained Master Locksmiths
No national call centres
Real people with real experience
Passionate about customer service
Call our 24/7 helpline:
01226 952 812
For a fast, professional service
Fast and Reliable Emergency Locksmiths in Barnsley
With hundreds of 5-star ratings and recommendations, there’s no wonder we’ve earned the name of Barnsley’s Number One Locksmiths! Every member of our team are City & Guilds Accredited and DBS Checked so you can rest assured knowing that they are fully qualified to get you back inside and keep you safe in those emergency situations.
All Services Guaranteed
Locksmiths Based in Barnsley
FREE Quotes on All Services
No Extra Charges or Call-Out Fees
At Lock and Key Barnsley, we have built an enviable reputation over the past 30 years, for providing transparency and honesty in our approach to locksmith services.
When one of our local locksmiths arrives at your property, they will always explain exactly what they are going to do and why, they will only go ahead with any work if you are completely satisfied that this is the best course of action for you.
How to Avoid Being Locked Out of Your House in Barnsley
If you have had bad experiences in the past or are just hyper-aware and concerned about getting stuck outside your home with the door locked, we have some tips for you. We suggest you should consider the following:
Invest in and Install One or More Accredited Police-Approved Key Safes
An accredited key safe installed by one of our professional locksmiths allows you to keep extra keys in a safe place that you can use if you ever have an emergency. Key safes offer the benefit of being incredibly secure and the only way anyone could gain access without permission is with an angle grinder, providing you with extra peace of mind.
Regularly Service Existing locks Around Your Home and Business
Ensure that every 6 to 12 months your locks are serviced properly in order to keep them in perfect working order. The key thing you need to remember when it comes to lock maintenance is that you should only use PTFE lubricant when working on multi-point locking mechanisms and graphite powder lubricant for conventional euro locks.
Over 200+ 5 Star Google Reviews
We’ve grown throughout the years based on the level of service that we provide. We’re proud to consistently serve Barnsley with a local, honest and reasonably priced locksmithing service which means our customers leave reviews like this:
We value the professional quality of our work, and our locksmiths work tirelessly to consistently achieve our ever increasing 5 star reviews as you can see on Google
Location areas we cover in Barnsley
Our locksmiths can usually attend within 60 minutes to the following areas within Barnsley including:
24/7 helpline - CALL NOW:
01226 952 812
Lock & Key Barnsley
The Business Village
Innovation Way
Wilthorpe
Barnsley
S75 1JL
Your Property – Our Priority
Unmatched Locksmith Expertise Awaits
We are the go-to choice for homeowners and businesses across Barnsley seeking reliable and professional locksmith services.
Here are just a few key reasons why you should choose us to secure your property:
Local Business
24/7 Availability
Fast Response Time
Wide Range of Services
Expertise
Up-to-Date Training
Affordable Pricing
Professionalism
1 Hour Call-Out
DBS Checked
Established 30 Years
Master Locksmiths
High Quality Products
Customised Solutions
Efficiency
Guaranteed Work
Trustworthiness
Security Assessment
Personalised Attention
City & Guilds Accredited
Frequently asked questions
How much does a locksmith cost in Barnsley?
At Lock & Key Barnsley, we pride ourselves on keeping prices low and affordable for all our Barnsley customers. A locksmith can cause depending on the service you require, the issue at hand and the solutions available – but don’t worry, we don’t charge over the odds like most national locksmith companies. We provide free quotes with no obligation over the phone, so you’ll know what to expect before we even attend.
How quickly can a locksmith arrive at my location?
The typical response time will vary from 30 minutes to an hour in emergencies. Because our locksmiths are local to Barnsley and the surrounding area we can easily get to you at any time of day.
Are your locksmiths certified and insured?
Our locksmiths are DBS checked, insured, and our the only officially City & Guilds certified locksmiths in the UK which is the highest accreditation in locksmithing. Trust that you and your property are in the safe hands of the professionals.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes! Here at Lock & Key Barnsley, it’s our number one priority to ensure our customers’ satisfaction. Which is why we only use high-quality locks and equipment with a guarantee. Our guarantees are applicable within 12 months from your visit. And in the rare event that our locks and workmanship will go wrong, trust that we’ll return to your property ASAP and replace it. All completely free of charge!
What should I do while waiting for the locksmith to arrive?
We know what it feels like to wait for your locksmith, but trust that we will be at your doorstep in no time at all. Please make sure that your reachable via your mobile phone so we can locate you, and as much as possible avoid doing anything with your locks or attempt to fix it. We’ll take care of everything once we’re there!
How long will it take for the locksmith to gain entry?
This depends on the type of lock you have, for instance if it’s a standard Yale rim cylinder type or a Euro Cylinder one, it will take mere minutes to gain entry. Likewise, if it’s a more complex lock then it can take longer.
How much time does a locksmith take to change a lock?
Our locksmiths can take 30 minutes to replace door locks and work on adjustments to secure it. But this can vary from the nature of the door (is it uPVC for instance), the number of locks to be replaced, and what kind of lock is used. This can all be answered by our local locksmith when he arrives at your property.
Can the locksmith provide a quote beforehand?
Yes, in most cases we can provide you with a quote before even taking on the work so you’ll know what it all entails. We’ll most likely ask you some questions to help identify the main issue together with photos to properly assess it. Upon arrival our locksmith will confirm the prices before proceeding with any work.
How much is a locksmith call out charge?
Absolutely NO call out fees when you hire one of our locksmiths! The only thing you’ll be charged for is the services you need based on the lock and key problem. We value transparency, and we don’t ever charge hidden fees.
How can I pay for the work carried out?
Payments can be easily made in cash or via all major debit and credit cards.
Additional Resources You May Find Useful
Please find information on related sites we at Lock & Key Barnsley think you may find helpful when it comes to home security, crime prevention and staying safe.


Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network
The largest volunteer-led crime prevention charity in the country, working hand in hand with communities to support them in being safer, more resilient places to live. They provide resources, projects and networks that support volunteers and communities to work together to prevent crime, raise awareness around safety initiatives and community resilience, and connect neighbourhoods.
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk
CrimeStoppers
Being burgled isn’t just about the things you lose; it also robs you of feeling safe and secure in your own home. If you have any information about a person who has committed a burglary, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously any time, day or night, on 0800 555 111. You can also provide any information you may think is useful via their online secure form.
Phone: 0800 555 111
Web: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/


Secured by Design
An official police security initiative which focuses on crime prevention of homes and commercial premises and promotes the use of security standards for a wide range of applications and products including locks, doors and windows.
Phone: 0203 8623 999
Web: www.securedbydesign.com
Age UK
A national charity which supports and assists a network of over 170 local Age UK’s, which between them provide an extensive network throughout England. The Age UK family also includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk