What forcing the door really costs
Storefront doors are aluminium frames with glass and a narrow-stile lock. Pry one and you bend the frame, crack the glass or break the latch. Then you need a glazier and a new lock, and the shop can't be secured that night. A commercial lockout opening starts at $19.00 plus the $29.00 service call fee.
What to have ready
- The address and the door: front, back, roll-up or office suite
- The lock brand, if you know it
- ID and proof you are authorised to enter
- A number that will be answered
How the locksmith approaches it
They look at the door and lock first, then pick the least damaging way in. If the lock is broken, they explain the repair or replacement and the price before doing it.
Preventing the next one
- Keep a spare key with a second keyholder who lives nearby
- Label keys by door, not by name
- Rekey when keyholders leave
- Consider a keypad on the staff entrance
See commercial locksmith services or call 860-744-3005.
