Losing keys is a common occurrence. Unfortunately, it is also common for keys to get stolen. Although your first instinct may be to panic, especially if you have had your keys stolen, it is best to try and stay as calm as possible. The good news is that there are ways to replace your keys and get ahead of any potential damage. Here are four tips on what you should do if your keys are lost or stolen.

Make Sure They Aren’t Lost

The first and most important thing to do is to make sure you aren’t overlooking them in your backpack, purse or computer bag. It is easy to overlook them, especially when you are in a hurry or concerned about them being lost or stolen. If you lose your keys often, it might be worth investing in a key tracker. 

Call the Police

If you are positive that your keys have been stolen, it is important to contact your local police department right away. If you are at a public place, such as a shopping mall, alert their security department as well. Keep in mind that the police will probably need you to remain where you are, unless you are in an unsafe area or if it was later that you noticed the keys had been stolen. If you are in a location, such as a museum, park or other large public place, check with their lost-and-found department to see if your keys were turned in.

Prevention Tips

A good tip for future reference is to give an extra key to a neighbor or family member who lives close by, which will allow you to get on your way and pick up a new set of keys later on. It is common for people to be more careful in the future after having lost their keys. However, as careful as you may be, it is still possible for them to be lost or stolen again. Avoid leaving spare keys in a mailbox, under a rock or in a flower pot, because these are the first places someone will look. Instead, keep a spare house key in the garage, shed or at the office.

Rekeying Locks

Call a locksmith as soon as possible to rekey your locks. If you can’t get into your house or vehicle and are concerned about your safety, contact an emergency locksmith to assist you. Having the locks rekeyed is an affordable and effective way to fix the problem of lost keys. Rekeying simply means the locksmith changes the pins inside of the lock to accommodate a different key. Your old keys will not fit the lock once it has been rekeyed, so if they were stolen, you won’t have to worry about a thief having access to your home.

In certain situations, you may have to have the locks replaced. The easiest way to determine which is best for your specific situation is to contact a locksmith. If the keys have been stolen or lost, it is essential that you have the locks rekeyed. If your keys were stolen during a home burglary, even if the locks weren’t damaged, it’s usually best to have the locks replaced.

If your keys have been lost or stolen, contact Area Safe & Lock Service immediately. We will be there as quickly as possible to help you gain entry into your home or car.