Published on: October 12, 2023
Written by James Henry / Fact-checked by Sazu Jishan
When you are locked out of your house, it can be a very stressful and upsetting experience. You may be wondering who you can turn to for help in this situation. The answer is that the police can be of assistance in a variety of ways.
The police can provide advice and assistance to help you get back into your house and support you in any other methods necessary. In this article, we will explain how the police can help if you find yourself locked out of your house.
We will also discuss the importance of having an emergency plan in place in the event that you are ever in this situation. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how the police can help if you are locked out of your house.
What to Do if Locked Out of House?
If you’re locked out of your house, there are several steps you can take to try to regain entry:
Check for an Open Window or Door:
Before you do anything else, take a walk around your house and see if there are any windows or doors that are unlocked. If you’re lucky, you may be able to climb through an open window or push open an unlocked door.
Call a Locksmith:
If you don’t have any luck finding an open window or door, your next best option is to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith will have the tools and expertise needed to safely and efficiently get you back into your home.
Wait for Someone With a Spare Key:
If you have a roommate, family member, or neighbor who has a spare key, consider giving them a call and asking for their help.
Contact Your Landlord:
If you’re renting your home, your landlord may have a spare key or be able to arrange for a locksmith to come and help you.
Consider Breaking in as a Last Resort:
We don’t recommend trying to break into your own home, as this can be dangerous and can cause damage to your property. If you’re in a bind and have no other options, you can try to break in using a credit card or a coat hanger (although this is not a guaranteed method and can cause damage to your lock).
How to Avoid Being Locked Out?
Getting locked out of your house can be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips on how to avoid being locked out:
Have a Spare Key:
One of the simplest ways to avoid getting locked out is to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place, such as with a trusted neighbor or friend, or in a secure hiding spot on your property.
Use a Keyless Entry System:
Keyless entry systems can be a convenient way to avoid getting locked out. With these systems, you can use a code or a mobile app to unlock your door, eliminating the need for a physical key.
Double-Check Before Leaving:
Before leaving your house, make sure you have your keys with you. Develop a habit of checking your pockets or purse to ensure that you have your keys before you walk out the door.
Install a Smart Lock:
Smart locks can be a great way to prevent lockouts. With a smart lock, you can use your smartphone to lock and unlock your door, so you don’t need to worry about carrying a physical key.
Consider Leaving a Spare Key With a Family Member or Friend:
If you don’t have a trusted neighbor nearby, consider leaving a spare key with a family member or friend who lives nearby. Make sure you choose someone who is responsible and who you can trust with your key.
Can Police Help if Locked Out of House?
When people are locked out of their homes, they may feel like they have no other option but to call the police for assistance. It’s essential to understand that the police are not locksmiths. They may be able to offer some guidance and support, but they are not necessarily equipped to help you get back into your house.
In most cases, the police will only get involved if a safety concern or a crime has been committed. For example, if you are locked out of your house and you see someone breaking in, then calling the police would be appropriate. Similarly, if there is reason to believe that someone may be in danger inside the house, the police can help.
If you’re simply locked out of your house and there are no immediate safety concerns, then the police are unlikely to be able to offer much assistance. In these cases, you’ll need to consider other options, such as calling a locksmith or attempting to break into your own home (although we do not recommend this!).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Calling Police
There are certainly advantages to calling the police when you’re locked out of your house, but there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. Ultimately, the decision to call the police will depend on your individual circumstances and the nature of the situation. If you’re unsure whether or not to call the police, it may be helpful to consult with a trusted friend, family member, or professional for guidance.
| Advantages of calling the police: | Disadvantages of calling the police: |
|---|---|
| 1. They may be able to help you regain entry quickly and safely. | 1. If it’s not an emergency or there is no crime in progress, they may not be able to offer much assistance. |
| 2. They can assess the situation and determine if there are any safety concerns that need to be addressed. | 2. Depending on their workload, they may not be able to respond immediately, which could result in a longer wait time. |
| 3. If you have a history of domestic violence or other safety concerns, they can provide additional support and resources. | 3. Calling the police may result in a record of the incident, which could potentially have negative consequences in the future. |
| 4. They may be able to provide you with information or resources for locksmith services. | 4. Depending on the jurisdiction, they may charge a fee for non-emergency assistance. |
Tips for Preventing Future Lockouts
Can take to prevent them from happening again in the future. Here are some tips for preventing future lockouts:
Keep a Spare Key With a Trusted Friend or Family Member:
Giving a spare key to a trusted friend or family member can be a great way to ensure that you always have access to your home. Just be sure to choose someone who is responsible and who you can rely on to keep your key safe.
Hide a Spare Key on Your Property:
If you don’t have anyone nearby who you can trust with a spare key, consider hiding a key on your property in a secure location. Just be sure to choose a hiding spot that is not too obvious, as this could make it easier for burglars to gain entry into your home.
Install a Keyless Entry System:
Keyless entry systems can be a convenient and secure way to access your home without worrying about carrying a physical key. There are a variety of keyless entry systems available on the market, from keypad locks to mobile app-based systems.
Double-check Before Leaving:
Before leaving your house, be sure to double-check that you have your keys with you. Make it a habit to check your pockets or purse before walking out the door to ensure that you don’t accidentally leave your keys behind.
Keep a Spare Key in Your Car:
If you have a car, consider keeping a spare key in your glove compartment or other secure location. This way, if you ever get locked out of your house, you’ll have a backup key readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Police Break Into My House if I’m Locked Out?
In general, the police cannot break into your house if you’re locked out. They can only enter your home if they have a warrant or if there is an emergency situation (such as a suspected crime or someone in danger). If you’re locked out and there are no safety concerns, you’ll need to contact a locksmith or try to regain entry using other methods.
Will the Police Charge Me if I Call Them for Help When I’m Locked Out?
If you call the police for help when you’re locked out of your house and there are no safety concerns, they are unlikely to charge you with anything.
they may suggest that you call a locksmith instead. Remember that the police are not locksmiths and their primary responsibility is to handle emergencies and enforce the law, not to help people regain entry to their homes.
Can I Sue the Police if They Don’t Help Me Get Back Into My House?
No, you cannot sue the police if they don’t help you get back into your house. As mentioned earlier, it’s not the responsibility of the police to assist you with getting back into your home.
If you feel that the police have acted improperly or failed to respond to a legitimate emergency, you may be able to file a complaint with the police department or with a higher authority, but you cannot sue the police for failing to help you get back into your house.
Verdict Final Words
It can be frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your house, and calling the police may not be the best solution in most cases. Unless there is a safety concern or a crime in progress, the police are unlikely to be able to offer much assistance.
Consider calling a locksmith or trying to regain entry using other methods. Remember, prevention is the best solution: always make sure to have a spare key and keep it in a safe place to avoid getting locked out in the first place.
