What To Do If You’re Locked Out of Your House in Peterborough

January 26, 2026

Being locked out of your home can be stressful, especially when it happens unexpectedly or late at night. Whether you have stepped outside without your keys, the door has slammed shut, or your lock has failed, the most important thing is to stay calm and know your options.

Image Credit: John Mack - Peterborough at Night

If you’re locked out of your house in Peterborough or the surrounding areas, this guide explains what to do next, what to avoid, and how a local locksmith can help you get back inside safely and without unnecessary damage.


Locked out right now? 
Safe And Secure Locksmiths are based in Peterborough, and can provide assistance.

Contact us now for a fast response, guaranteeing you’ll be back in your house in no time.


Stay calm and check the obvious first


Before panicking or taking any drastic measures, it’s important to check the most obvious places.


For example: 

  • Are any doors or windows left unlocked?
  • Do you have a spare key anywhere?
  • Is your key actually missing or is it inside the house or a nearby vehicle?


These may sound obvious, but, in a panic, people often overlook these simple things. Taking a few breaths and assessing your surroundings can sometimes save you time and money. 


However, if you’ve done all these checks and you still have no access, it’s time to call a professional locksmith. 


Can a locksmith open a door without damage?


This is one of the most common concerns people have when they are locked out.


In most cases, yes. An experienced locksmith such as Safe And Secure Locksmiths will always attempt non-destructive entry first.

This means attempting to open the door without using a drill or damaging the lock. We do this by using specialist tools and techniques designed for specific situations and locks.


Damage-free entry is possible when:

  • The lock is in good condition
  • The door is not double locked
  • The lock mechanism has not failed internally


If damage is unavoidable, a professional locksmith should explain why and let you know your options before committing to any work.


Why calling a local locksmith matters


When you are locked out, speed and trust matter.


Contacting a local locksmith (such as Safe And Secure Locksmiths) in Peterborough guarantees:

  • Faster response times
  • No call-centre delays
  • No unexpected long-distance call fees
  • Someone who knows the area 


If you call someone who isn’t local, call centres tend to jack-up the price by adding fees to your calls. This means it can take longer to get the service you want. Using a local locksmith means they deal with you directly from the first call until the job is done.


How quickly can an emergency locksmith arrive?


Response times depend on location, traffic and time of day, but a local emergency locksmith is usually able to attend much faster than a national service.


When you call, you should be told:

  • An estimated arrival time
  • What to expect on arrival
  • Any relevant costs upfront


If you are vulnerable, locked out late at night, or have children inside, make this clear when you call so the situation can be prioritised where possible.


What to expect when you call Safe And Secure Locksmiths


When you contact a professional locksmith such as ourselves, the process should be straightforward and transparent.

You should expect:

  • A clear explanation of the next steps
  • Honest advice on whether damage-free entry is likely
  • Identification on arrival
  • Work carried out efficiently and respectfully


A good locksmith such as us will focus on getting you back inside safely, not upselling unnecessary replacements or work. 


How to avoid getting locked out again


Once you are back inside, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to reduce the risk of it happening again.

  • Leave a spare key with someone you trust
  • Consider a key safe if appropriate
  • Check locks regularly for stiffness or faults
  • Avoid forcing locks that are starting to fail


If your lock is sticking, difficult to turn, or unreliable, having it checked early can prevent future emergencies.


Locked out right now?


If you are currently locked out of your house in Peterborough or nearby areas and need help, a local emergency locksmith can assist quickly and professionally.


Call Safe And Secure Locksmiths for calm, damage-aware support and a fast response when you need it most.