Have you ever found yourself standing outside your locked door only to realize you left your keys on the kitchen counter? No? Don’t worry, sooner or later you will. And then what do you do?
Well, you can go around your house looking for an unlocked window or door—which we hope you don’t find (not because we’re evil, but because unlocked windows and doors are an invitation to a burglary.) You can try to crawl through the doggy door—but if you have one, it should be locked, too. If you can get in, so can burglars, raccoons, neighbor’s cats and all manner of other unwelcome visitors. You can call your spouse, kids or roommate and wait until they drive home from wherever they are. Or you can break a window in frustration and unlock it.
But if you take a few simple precautions, you can save yourself hassle, embarrassment and money.
Stash an extra key
This is the easiest solution, but it can also be the riskiest. Depending on where you hide it, it can be about as easy for a burglar to find it as it is for you. Under a door mat, in a mailbox, or on a ledge are the first places a thief will look. There are fake rocks and other hiding places, but if the rock looks fake or out of place, it’s not really much of a hiding place. In a purse, wallet, garage or car glove box only work if you have access to them. Use a little imagination, but don’t make it so well hidden that you forget where it is.
The safest means of hiding a key is to install a Realtor lock box somewhere on the perimeter of your home that it is relatively hidden from view and is not too near the ground. The reason you want your lockbox elevated is that a.) it will rust over time with snow accumulation, and b.) burglars can more easily hack a lockbox off a rail if the lock is at ground level to stop the swing of their hacksaw.
A wrought iron security door with rails is one option. Another other is on the electric/gas meter. The challenge then becomes to make sure when you use the extra key that you return it to the lockbox. And it’s absolutely necessary to lock the lockbox securely after using it. Otherwise you’ve just given anyone access to the key to your home.
Give a neighbor a key
This is pretty safe as long as you trust your neighbor. Of course if the neighbor isn’t home, it doesn’t do much good.
Try to jimmy the lock
Weak locks can be defeated, but why would you want a weak lock in the first place? Burglars often gain entry by brute force—a swift kick can splinter a lock from the door frame, but repairs can get pricey. And if you have a good deadbolt, it won’t work unless you engage in some pretty radical destruction. Plus a nosy neighbor may end up calling the cops if they don’t know it’s you doing the damage.
If you don’t have a spare key and don’t want to damage your or your landlord’s property, the best solution to a lockout is to call a reliable locksmith. The pros at Alexius Security, The Denver Locksmiths, can get you into a locked house, apartment or vehicle easily and without damage in nearly any situation. And it usually costs less than repairing a broken window or splintered door frame.
Our services go beyond simply working on locks, too. We can advise you about the best systems for your safety and convenience and recommend security measures for all of your property. Just give us a call at 303.617.3717 or use our online contact form for prompt, professional attention to your security needs. We’re ready to serve you anytime, day or night.
