Getting locked out is stressful — we’ve all been there. Before you panic (or damage a perfectly good door), here’s a calm, practical checklist you can run through in the next 10 minutes. It could save you time, money and a headache. And if you do need help, Geoff at GRN Locksmith Services covers Bognor Regis, Chichester, Worthing and all the places in between — friendly, local and reliable.
1) Take a breath & check all doors (60–90 seconds)
Walk the perimeter and try every entrance: front, back, patio, side, garage internal door. uPVC and composite doors can feel “stuck” if the handle wasn’t fully lifted when locking — try lifting the handle then turning, rather than forcing it down.
Avoid: shoulder barges, screwdrivers, credit cards. They cause damage and often make professional entry harder (and more expensive).
2) Try your spare options (60–90 seconds)
- Do you have a spare with a neighbour, friend or family member nearby?
- Is there a keysafe on the property? (It happens more than you’d think!)
- If you’re in shared accommodation, check with housemates or the management office.
3) Double-check bags, pockets, car, pram, coat hooks (60 seconds)
Sounds obvious… until you find the key at the bottom of the tote bag or still in the car cup holder. Have a quick rummage before you call anyone out.
4) Look for safe alternative access (60–90 seconds)
Is a ground-floor window open and safe to enter through? If you can safely open it from the inside without forcing anything or putting yourself at risk, that’s your quickest fix. If not — don’t attempt it. Safety first.
5) If it’s a key broken in the lock, stop and step away (60 seconds)
A snapped key in a euro cylinder or night latch can seem tempting to “tweezer out”. Often that pushes fragments deeper into the mechanism. Take a photo of the key/lock and leave it to a professional — it usually results in a clean, non-destructive entry.
6) Note the lock type & what’s happening (60–90 seconds)
A quick photo helps your locksmith what to expect:
- Door type: uPVC, composite, wooden.
- Lock type: euro cylinder, mortice, night latch (“Yale”), multipoint strip.
- What you see: key turns but won’t open, handle does not move, door handle does not engage the locking points, key lost, key inside, etc.
This speeds things up and can keep costs down.
7) Think through proof of address (30 seconds)
For everyone’s security, reputable locksmiths will ask for proof you live there (driving licence, utility bill to that address, tenancy agreement). If these are inside, you can show ID after entry — but knowing where it is avoids delays.
8) Check for kids, pets, heating or hazards (60 seconds)
If someone vulnerable is inside, or there’s a cooker/heater on, tell the locksmith when you call. It can change the priority and approach (and how quickly we get to you).
9) Consider timing & travel (30 seconds)
If you’re in Bognor, Chichester, Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel or nearby, a local callout is usually quicker than a national call centre sending someone from miles away. Local often means faster response, clearer pricing, and no hidden extras.
10) Ready to call? Ask these three things (60 seconds)
- Are you local? (Where are you coming from?)
- What’s the likely price range for my situation? (Lost keys vs. door won’t open, etc.)
- Will you attempt non-destructive entry first? (That’s our standard approach at GRN.)
When to stop troubleshooting and call a pro
- You’ve tried the simple checks above.
- You suspect the lock or multipoint mechanism has failed.
- A key is stuck or snapped in the lock.
- You’re outside in poor weather / it’s late / someone vulnerable is inside.
Forcing a door can turn a straightforward job into a replacement you didn’t need. A professional non-destructive entry is usually faster and cheaper than a DIY fix that goes wrong.
Why choose a local like GRN Locksmith Services?
- Fast local response across West Sussex (Bognor Regis, Chichester, Worthing & surrounding areas).
- Non-destructive entry first — we protect your door and keep costs sensible.
- Clear, friendly pricing — no surprises, no hidden fees.
- Reputation you can check — hundreds of 10/10 reviews on Checkatrade.
- One call, one person — you speak to Geoff and Geoff turns up.
Prevent the next lockout (quick wins)
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust locally or use a police-approved keysafe.
- If your uPVC door needs a firm lift to lock, it may need an adjustment — book it before it fails.
- Consider anti-snap cylinders (TS007 3-Star or SS312 Diamond) for security and reliability.
- Add our number to your phone so you’re not hunting online when you’re stressed.
Locked out right now?
Call Geoff at GRN Locksmith Services on 07889325487. Friendly, local and ready to help — day or night.
(Serving Bognor Regis, Chichester, Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel and all nearby West Sussex areas.)
