A significant portion of a 24 hour emergency locksmiths services are devoted to lockouts. This is where a customer has either lost or had their keys to their house, premises or car stolen. A locksmith has a few options when confronted by a lockout. This includes, picking the lock by hand or with the aid of a lock picking machine. If no spare keys are available - and if a customer feels that their security and privacy may be threatened - a locksmith will often have to replace a whole set of locks on a home, premises or car. Burglars also often damage locks on entry doors and windows, which then require replacement. These are all expensive options, which all point to putting in a few simple steps to avoid this unnecessary inconvenience.

Follow these simple guidelines to avoid being locked out of your home, premises or car in the future:

• have spare keys made and left with family, friends or a neighbour
• do not label your spare keys for security reasons
• keep all your keys on one ring to reduce the chance of losing them
• do not give your spare keys to workmen

Other services that a locksmith will typically perform include:

• the supply and fitting of new locks
• cutting and replacing lost or faulty keys
• replacing car transponders that have been lost or stolen
• re-programming security systems
• providing an emergency 24 hour call out service