possibly stolen keys - what to do??

foreign_correspondent

Basically, I left my car outside my mums house and it was broken into. I have nothing in my car but junk, so I dont think they found anything of value or use.

However, I have since had a panic incase I left some keys for my mums house in the car - I dont think I did, but I cannot be sure.:eek: I have spoken to my mum and she doesnt seem too worried but I do not want to leave her vulnerable to being broken into.

I have offered to pay for having the locks changed, but she says not to bother. What is the best thing to do? I just read that you can have some locks 're-pinned'?? Does anyone know about this, whether it works well and doesnt cause too much disruption or damamge to the door requiring re-painting etc? (I think this is the reason my mum doesnt want the locks changing)

Also how much should it cost?

thanks so much for any info

fc x

Antispam

Its fairly cheap to replace DG door locks and isnt hard for DIyer. Sorry cant post any info at mo as my net access is playing up

foreign_correspondent

Antispam wrote: »

Its fairly cheap to replace DG door locks and isnt hard for DIyer.

thanks - what is DG?

slh4283

Depending on the cost to replace the locks, it may be worth your mum contacting her household insurers. Generally there is a section for lost/stolen keys and insurer will generally rather replace locks than have a big claim for theft.

Generally there is no/a smaller excess on this section so may be worth enquiring.

foreign_correspondent

thanks - she is currently tackling them for a claim for something else and I dont think she will fancy starting with another claim!

I would rather just get it fixed myself really, as she will say not to bother, but it is worrying me!

10past6

Try here it's the British Locksmith Trade Association

Bishop_Basher

Its just as easy to change the locks, 5 lever Mortice locks start from around £15 each and if its a Euro Barrel thats just as easy to change and they start from around the same price.

andrew-b

If you can't find the keys i'd definitely get her locks changed. As your car was outside her house at the time, it is quite possible whoever broke into the car saw you enter the house.

How many locks are the set of keys for and what sort of locks? Yale, euro cylinder or mortice locks? Find out how much (if anything) the excess on your Mum's house insurance would be to make a claim...for one lock it's probably not worth claiming.

If a thief walks into your mum's house by using a key to unlock the door you may find that insurance won't pay out for anything stolen. It's really not worth taking a chance as it will cost much more to replace all your Mum's possessions than to replace the locks. So don't give your Mum a choice...tell her your going to replace them whether she likes it or not!

Andy

foreign_correspondent

thanks folks - they are old fashioned locks set inside a wooden door, the sort with big keys - anyone know what these are called? They are not attached to the door handle like mine are.

foreign_correspondent

Anyone?? I tried the people the locksmiths trade assoc, but the two numbers most local are both coming up as wrong numbers when I try and call them, so I suspect they may be out of date.

I would appreciate it if anyone knows what sort of locks these are. thanks

fc x

oldone_2

If you want to keep costs down fit (and use) bolts on all doors. Only change the lock on the door you use most to go in and out - usually the front door.