Digital Gate Lock Problems — Gatemaster, Borg, Codelocks and Code Locks Explained
Written by Karen Menpes, MLA-approved locksmith, Twickenham. Trading since 2012. Digital and push-button code locks are increasingly common on garden gates, side gates and commercial premises across west London. They are convenient — no key to lose, easy access for family members or contractors — but when something goes wrong, most people have no idea […]
Anti-Snap Locks — What They Are, Why You Need One, and What to Ask For
Assist Locks · Karen Menpes, DBS Checked & Master Locksmith Association Approved · August 2026 Lock snapping is the single most common method of forced entry used by burglars across the UK. It takes less than thirty seconds, requires only a basic tool available from any hardware shop, and works silently enough that neighbours often […]
Key Left Inside the Door and Locked Out? Here’s Exactly What To Do
Assist Locks · Karen Menpes, DBS Checked & Master Locksmith Association Approved · August 2026 You’ve shut the front door behind you and realised your key is still in the lock on the other side. Or you can see your key through the letterbox, sitting in the inside handle, and the door simply will not […]
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in London? 2026 Price Guide
For most jobs across Twickenham, Teddington, Richmond, Isleworth, Hampton, Brentford, Kew, and the surrounding areas, expect to pay somewhere between £95 and £250 all in, with no call-out fee from Assist Locks. The exact price depends on the time of day, the type of lock, and whether the job needs a straightforward repair or a […]
How To Spot Rogue Locksmiths, Locksmith Scams and Fraud in 2026
Rogue Locksmiths and Fake Listings — What Every Consumer Needs to Know The locksmith industry in the UK has a problem that has been growing for years and is now reaching crisis point. Fake locksmith listings — operated by overseas call centres using virtual phone numbers, fabricated reviews, and false addresses — are flooding online […]