Emergency Guide
🗓 Updated March 2026
✍ Hames and Sons Locksmiths
⏱ 10-minute read
Written by: Hames and Sons Locksmiths, Thanet
Topic: Emergency lockout advice for homeowners and businesses
Coverage area: Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Birchington, Minster
Your Action Plan for a Thanet Lockout
- Check all entry points and contact anyone with a spare key first
- Check your home insurance for emergency locksmith cover
- If you need a locksmith, verify they’re legitimate before agreeing to anything
- Expect non-destructive entry to be attempted first
- Get a firm quote before any work starts
- Use the event as a prompt to improve your security and prevention habits
⸻
Whether you’re standing on your doorstep in Margate or locked out of your Broadstairs office on a Bank Holiday, this guide will help.
So, here’s exactly what to do.
Calmly. Safely. And without calling someone who may drill a perfectly good lock for profit.
⸻
Why Lockouts Happen (And Why They Feel So Stressful)
It happens to the best of us.
For example, you step outside to put the bins out.
Your keys are still inside.
Then the door clicks shut behind you.
Or you arrive home after a long shift.
You check your pockets… but your keys are nowhere to be found.
That’s when panic sets in.
However, being locked out doesn’t have to be expensive or damaging.
Because the decisions you make in those first few minutes matter.
They can mean the difference between:
• a £60 call-out
• or a £400 repair
And in some cases, forcing entry can leave your home insecure.
⸻
Local Help You Can Trust
At Hames and Sons Locksmiths, we’ve helped people across the Thanet area for years.
From Margate’s seafront terraces to Ramsgate’s Victorian homes, we get people back inside quickly and safely.
That’s why this guide gives clear, practical advice.
It shows you:
• what to do first
• what to avoid
• when to call a professional
• how to spot a trustworthy locksmith
In addition, we offer an emergency call-out service and aim to reach you within 30–90 minutes.
⸻
📌 What You’ll Learn
✔ The safest steps to take immediately
✔ The mistakes that cost homeowners money
✔ How to check if a locksmith is legitimate
✔ What non-destructive entry means
✔ How to avoid getting locked out again
⸻
Step One: Stay Calm and Check the Basics
Panic leads to poor decisions.
So before you touch the lock or call anyone, take a breath and work through this checklist.
⸻
1. Check Every Entry Point
First, walk around your property.
Check:
• back doors
• side entrances
• patio doors
• windows
This only takes a few minutes and could save you money.
Also, don’t forget the garage. Many homes in Thanet have internal access.
⸻
2. Contact Someone With a Spare Key
Do you have a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member with a spare?
If so, call them now.
Many people rely on this simple solution, and it often solves the problem quickly.
⸻
3. Speak to Your Landlord or Agent
If you rent, your landlord or letting agent may hold a key.
Most tenancy agreements require landlords to help in emergencies.
So it’s always worth calling first.
⸻
4. Check Your Insurance
Some home insurance policies include locksmith cover.
Therefore, check your documents or call your provider before paying out of pocket.
⸻
5. Make Sure You’re Safe
If it’s late, cold, or you feel unsafe, don’t stay outside.
Instead, wait somewhere warm and public while you arrange help.
⸻
What NOT to Do When Locked Out
This is where mistakes happen — and where costs rise quickly.
⸻
Don’t Try to Force Entry
It might feel like a quick fix. However, forcing a lock rarely works.
Using a card, screwdriver, or force can:
• damage the lock
• break the mechanism
• crack the door frame
As a result, a simple job can turn into an expensive repair.
⸻
Don’t Call the First Locksmith You Find
Searching “locksmith near me” in a panic can lead to poor choices.
Because the industry is largely unregulated, anyone can advertise as a locksmith.
⸻
🚩 Watch for These Red Flags
• Prices that seem too cheap
• No local address or landline
• Immediate suggestion to drill the lock
• No fixed quote upfront
• Pressure to agree quickly
Moreover, a professional will always try non-destructive entry first.
⸻
Don’t Leave Your Property Unsecured
If you’ve gained entry temporarily, don’t leave it like that.
A weak or damaged lock makes your home vulnerable.
Tip: Thanet Police and Kent Police’s crime prevention guidance consistently note that many residential burglaries are opportunistic. Get the lock replaced properly before you go to bed or leave for work.
⸻
How a Locksmith Should Handle a Lockout
A trained professional follows a clear process.
⸻
Non-Destructive Entry (Best Practice)
In most cases, a locksmith can open your door without damage.
Methods include:
• lock picking
• decoding
• bypass techniques
As a result, your lock stays intact.
⸻
When Drilling Is Needed
Sometimes drilling is necessary.
For example:
• broken locks
• snapped keys
• internal faults
However, a professional will explain why before starting.
⸻
How to Choose a Locksmith You Can Trust
⸻
Look for Accreditation
Check for:
- Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) — the most recognised body; members are vetted, trained, and insured. You can search the MLA directory by postcode.
- UKAS-accredited locksmiths — particularly relevant for commercial premises
- Checkatrade or TrustATrader verified — look for independently verified reviews, not just Google stars
⸻
Ask Locally
Word of mouth still works.
So ask neighbours, local groups, or friends.
⸻
Ask These Questions
Before agreeing, ask:
• Can you give a fixed price?
• Will you try non-destructive entry first?
• Are you insured?
⸻
Real Local Examples
Margate Lockout
A customer returned home late with no keys.
We arrived quickly and opened the door without damage.
⸻
Broadstairs Emergency
A snapped key prevented a café from opening.
We replaced the lock and got them back trading fast.
⸻
How to Prevent This Happening Again
⸻
Use Spare Keys
Keep at least two spare keys.
Store them safely with someone you trust.
⸻
Build a Habit
Always check for your keys before closing the door.
You can also use a tracker to avoid losing them.
⸻
DIY vs. Professional Locksmith: An Honest Comparison
✔ DIY Attempt
- No call-out cost
- Immediate — no waiting
- Works occasionally on older, simple locks
✖ DIY Attempt
- High risk of lock damage
- Risk of door frame damage
- Can invalidate home insurance
- May leave property insecure
- Does not work on modern multi-point locks
✔ Professional Locksmith
- Non-destructive entry in most cases
- Fast — typically 20–45 mins in Thanet
- Fully insured work
- Advice on security upgrades
- No property damage
✖ Professional Locksmith
- Call-out cost applies
- Waiting time varies
- Risk of rogue traders if not vetted
⸻
FAQs
How fast can someone arrive?
Usually within 20–45 minutes locally.
⸻
How much does it cost?
Typically £60–£120 depending on the situation.
⸻
Will my lock be damaged?
No — non-destructive methods are used first.
⸻
Final Thoughts
If you’re locked out:
1. Stay calm
2. Check access points
3. Call someone with a spare
4. Choose a trusted professional
⸻
At Hames and Sons Locksmiths, we help local customers get back inside quickly and safely.
We don’t drill locks unnecessarily.
And we don’t charge hidden fees.
Most importantly, we treat every customer fairly.
⸻
🔥 Locked Out Right Now?
We cover Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Birchington and surrounding areas.
📞 Call now for fast local help
💬 Or request a free quote
⸻
Hames and Sons Locksmiths · Thanet, Kent
Locally owned and operated
This article is for guidance only. Always use a verified, insured locksmith.
