Keys Locked in the Car: Police or Locksmith? | Birmingham
Open 24/7
Nights, weekends, bank holidays
We come to you
Home, work, roadside or car park
Price agreed first
Quoted before we set off
Ownership checked
Photo ID and proof required
Quick answer
Short answer: call a locksmith — the police won't come out for a simple lockout. The exception: if a child or pet is locked inside, call 999 immediately. For everything else, call 07425 435697 — open 24/7.
When to call 999
A child or pet locked in the car — call 999 first, immediately. Cars heat up (and cool down) dangerously fast, and this is exactly what emergency services are for. Call us after — we'll get there as fast as we can, but the police and fire service can be faster and they carry the right authority for it.
This is the one situation where you don't wait, don't shop around, and don't worry about cost. Call 999.
When NOT to call the police
For a straightforward lockout — your keys are inside, everyone's safe — the police won't attend. It's not an emergency service matter, and calling 999 for it ties up a line someone else needs. The right call is a locksmith (or your breakdown cover, if it includes lockouts and you don't mind the wait).
Locksmith vs. breakdown cover
If you're somewhere you don't feel safe, don't wait on hold with anyone — call the locksmith directly.
- Locksmith (us): direct call, honest price on the phone, realistic arrival time, non-destructive entry. Usually the fastest option.
- Breakdown cover: worth a try if your policy includes lockout help — but check, because many don't, and waits can be long, especially at night.
What we'll ask when you call
- Where you are (exactly — street, car park, landmark)
- The car's make and model
- Photo ID ready for when we arrive — we check before opening any car
Related services
- Emergency Car Lockout
- Lost Car Key Replacement
- All Keys Lost
- Broken Key Extraction
- Spare Car Key
Related questions
Should I call the police if my keys are locked in the car?
The police don't attend routine lockouts — they'll only intervene if there's an emergency, like a child or pet locked inside on a hot day. For a standard lockout, a locksmith is the right call: 07425 435697, 24/7.
What if a child is locked in the car?
That's an emergency — call 999 immediately. Don't wait for a locksmith. If it's safe to do so while waiting, call us too, but the emergency services take priority.
Will the police open my car for me?
Only in genuine emergencies. For anything else they'll advise you to call a locksmith or your breakdown provider. We're faster than waiting on hold with anyone — one call and we're on our way.
Need a locksmith, not just a guide?
Call 07425 435697 — open 24/7 across Birmingham. Tell us the make and model and we'll give you an honest price before we set off.
Open 24/7 — nights, weekends and bank holidays included.