Losing your keys can be an unsettling experience, but discovering they’ve been stolen adds a whole new level of stress. Not only do you have to deal with the inconvenience, but you also face potential security risks for your home or office. When keys are stolen, it’s you have no choice but to take immediate action to protect your property.
Immediate Actions to Take if Your Keys Are Stolen
If you’ve realised that your keys have been stolen, the first thing to do is remain calm and take immediate steps to mitigate the damage. Here’s a quick action plan:
- Report the Theft to the Police
While keys themselves might not seem like a high-priority crime, reporting the theft to the police is still important. A report can help prevent any future incidents or provide a record for insurance purposes. If your keys were stolen during a burglary, this will also be critical information for the authorities. Reporting the theft to the police also results in a crime reference number which will be used for insurance purposes. - Contact Your Locksmith
The next step is to call a professional locksmith. A reputable locksmith, such as RLM Locksmiths, can provide immediate advice and assistance. Depending on the situation, they may recommend re-keying your locks or replacing them entirely. - Inform Your Insurance Company
If you have home insurance or renters’ insurance, you’ll want to inform your insurer about the theft. Depending on your policy, they may cover the cost of replacing your locks or the contents of your home if stolen keys lead to a break-in.
Assessing Potential Security Risks
After your keys are stolen, it’s important to assess the potential risks to your security. Depending on who has taken your keys and where they were taken from, the risks can vary. Here’s how you can evaluate those risks:
- Is Your Home at Risk?
If your house keys were stolen, you need to consider the immediate vulnerability of your home. Have the thieves gained access to your home or any sensitive areas? This includes considering whether your keys were tagged with information that can identify your address. If so, your home may be an immediate target for a break-in. - Consider Access to Other Properties or Vehicles
If you also lost keys to your office or car, this further increases the scope of the theft. Could the thief gain access to your office, vehicle, or storage units? Take note of the locations where these keys were used and whether they could potentially be accessed without your permission. - Are There Any Sensitive Areas of Your Property?
For those with garages, safes, or security systems that are keyed rather than password-protected, a stolen key could grant access to these areas. If your keys were tied to sensitive or secure areas, act swiftly to re-secure those spaces.
Preventive Measures to Protect Against Future Key Theft
Once you’ve addressed the immediate concern of your stolen keys, it’s time to think about how you can prevent future thefts. Here are some practical steps to take:
- Keep Spare Keys Secure
It’s tempting to hide spare keys around your property, but this practice can compromise your security. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbour or use a secure key box. Avoid common hiding spots, such as under the doormat or in a flowerpot. - Consider Keyless Entry Systems
If you’re concerned about losing or having your keys stolen again, consider upgrading to a keyless entry system. Smart locks, which can be controlled via a mobile app, eliminate the need for traditional keys. They also offer enhanced security features, such as access logs and remote locking/unlocking capabilities. - Install a Home Security System
A security system with cameras, motion detectors, and alarms can help deter burglars, making them less likely to target your home. Many security systems also allow you to monitor your property remotely, giving you peace of mind when you’re away. - Create a Lock Maintenance Plan
Ensure that your locks are well-maintained by having them checked regularly by a professional locksmith. This ensures that they are in good working order and not easily tampered with. Regular maintenance can also help catch issues before they become security threats.
Having your keys stolen can be a nerve-wracking experience but acting quickly and responsibly can help minimise the risks and keep your home safe. Re-keying or replacing your locks, investing in smart locks or keyless entry systems and taking preventive security measures can all contribute to the ongoing protection of your home and belongings.
At RLM Locksmiths, we understand how important home security is, and our expert locksmith services are here to help you recover from the theft of your keys and ensure that your property remains secure. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to safeguard your home.
If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy locksmith in Surrey or Sussex, RLM Locksmiths has you covered.
