Sussex & Hampshire Independent Locksmith

Yes, there are a number of solutions for this issue, which is not uncommon. Regardless of the location of the lock, whether the key is stuck, turned or all the way in, a trained locksmith will be able to gain access.

If necessary, they can fit a new replacement lock after gaining entry to your property.

Certainly! Owen the Locksmith can attend to your property quickly and extract the key from the lock.

In the rare case that the key cannot be extracted, a quote can be provided for a replacement lock.

Yes, if you’ve lost your keys, it’s highly recommended to change your locks to help protect your home or business.

If you’re not sure where you’ve lost them, someone may find them who knows where you live.

For full peace of mind, please book a visit from Owen the Locksmith.

Yes, Owen can attend your Sussex & Hampshire business premises to secure your locks. This includes gaining entry to your commercial building.

In the event of a break-in, damaged locks can be repaired or replaced, security measures reinforced and thorough security assessments conducted.

Identifying a local, genuine locksmith versus a national call-centre scam (often called ‘locksmith syndicates’) is critical for your security and your wallet.

In 2026, these call centres often use AI-generated local phone numbers and polished websites to appear local, but they charge up to 3x the standard rate.

To verify you are dealing with a legitimate local expert like Owen the Locksmith, check for these four ‘trust signals’:

• Speak Directly to the Locksmith: When you call, you should speak to the person doing the work. If you reach a dispatcher who cannot give you a technical answer or a firm price estimate, you are likely talking to a call centre in another part of the country.
• Verify the (Name, Location, Phone): Check that the business answering the phone states the business name eg. “Owen the Locksmith” and not just “Locksmith” and has a local landline (e.g. starting with 01). Scams often use generic 0800 or 03 numbers.
• Check Professional Credentials: A genuine locksmith will arrive in a sign-written van, wear a company uniform and be DBS Checked , Ask: “Will you be the one arriving or can I have the name of the locksmith attending the job?
• Search for ‘High Velocity’ Reviews: Scams often have hidden or disabled reviews. A genuine local business will have a long, transparent history on platforms like Checkatrade, Trustist, or Google, with years of consistent feedback.

The Red Flag Checklist: Avoid any locksmith who gives a “starting from £49” quote over the phone (this is a classic bait-and-switch), refuses to give a fixed price, or insists on drilling out a lock before trying non-destructive entry.

The cost of locksmith services in East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire varies depending on the job. To provide an accurate quote, let Owen know the service you require and, if possible, the type of locks required.

Need help with your quote? For assistance please get in touch.

Owen aims to offer a rapid response of 30 to 60 minutes for locksmith emergencies.

You will be treated as a priority, whether you are in Bognor, Brighton, Crawley, Littlehampton, Portsmouth, Worthing or anywhere in-between.

Travel can vary depending on how busy the day is and where Owen is currently, so please call 01903 724656 for a more accurate arrival time.

Absolutely. Calls are quite common from people who have locked themselves inside their property!

Owen can gain entry from the outside, often in a way that doesn’t cause any damage to your door.

A wide range of replacement locks are also carried, so whatever your locksmith emergency, Owen the Locksmith can help.

Yes! Owen the Locksmith can successfully gain access to your property.

If required, your locks can be changed and new keys provided for peace of mind.

Please call 01903 724656 / 07554 748087 to book an appointment or fill out the contact form.

There is usually no way to tell definitively without inspecting the broken lock itself.

A lock fix may be possible if the lock is not too old, corroded or damaged. If a customer requests specifically to ‘fix my locks’, Owen will make every effort to perform the repair.

In some cases where a break-in or accident has led to extreme lock damage, it is more economically sensible to just replace or upgrade locks. You then get the benefit of newer equipment, professional fitting and a minimum 1 year guarantee.

It’s usually recommended to change locks as soon as possible after buying a new property, as you can’t always be sure who has had keys or what copies have been made.

If you are renting the property, you will need to speak to your landlord to find out who also has access.

If you are locked out of your house, flat or other building, there are a number of ways to gain entry, depending on how the property is configured.

With a simple key-based lock, these can often be successfully picked by a capable locksmith, gaining entry with no damage to the locking mechanism. Smart locks with a key backup can also be bypassed.

Other issues such as keys broken in locks, jammed doors or rare lock types may require different approaches. These include accessing the property via windows or other doors, lock dismantling or, in rare cases, cutting of lock mechanisms.

Owen will always attempt to gain entry by non-destructive means first.