Image Pixabay

Not being able to get into your home can be a nightmare. And many things can go wrong. So here are some things to do immediately for safety after losing your house keys.

Get the Locks Changed

In almost all cases, you will misplace your keys rather than have them stolen. But even a misplaced key can be a security risk if someone knows you. In many cases, the perpetrator of a serious crime is known to the victim. Drug addiction, desperation and simple greedy theft are reasons someone would enter your home. Therefore, even if you simply misplaced your keys, you should always call a locksmith to let you inside and change the locks. Be aware this can set you back some money, and you need to provide an ID to prove you live there.

Call Someone who has a Spare

If you feel somewhat safer and think you aren’t in danger of someone entering your home, then you can call someone with a spare key to let you in. Then you can use that key to make a copy later on. However, before entering your home, it’s a good idea to have someone with you, and be careful when you go inside to be safe. Don’t be tempted to leave a spare key near your home, such as under a plant pot. Criminals are keenly aware of these hiding places and will always check them first before breaking a door or window to gain entry.

Check for Signs of Entry After Losing Your House Keys

Speaking of entry, it’s possible you are a target, and someone knows where you live. In that case, your home may have already been the subject of criminal activity. In the UK there are almost 900 burglaries per day. If you suspect someone has entered your home, check for visible signs. Top signs of someone entering your home include broken glass, stressed window and door frames and forced locks. However, if they have the keys, there might be no damage. But there may be telltale signs of entry. These include open doors, moved items and dirt inside.

Call the Police in the Event of a Suspected Crime

It can be challenging to know if someone has entered your home. But if you think or know a criminal has been inside, always call the police. There are many reasons for this. While it may not be considered a major crime. The police can use the evidence in your home to build a case against the criminal when caught. Also, there’s a genuine possibility that someone might still be inside your home. There are documented cases of violent criminals entering a house and waiting for the owner to return to commit severe crimes against them.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Finally, you might not think so, but it is worth contacting your insurance provider after losing your keys. If you don’t and something happens later, it could invalidate your policy. And this means you won’t get an insurance payout in the event your home is burglarized at a later date. Additionally, your house keys might be covered in your insurance policy. If they are, then this is great news. Because it means you won’t have to pay the possibly expensive fee of calling out a locksmith to replace the locks. So always call your insurance just to make sure of this.

Collaborative post