Lost Office Keys: Is It Necessary To Change The Locks?

If you’ve ever arrived at your office and found that the key to the office door is no longer in your pocket, you may feel stressed and unsure what to do. Lost office keys can cause a difficult situation and you may wonder if you need to change the existing locks to maintain security.

You will definitely need to act quickly in this scenario. But, is changing the locks your only option? In this article, our Toronto commercial locksmith experts will share the advantages of locks replacement and also look into a few alternatives you may be able to use.

Assessing the Risk

Lost office keys can cause security risks – and the main fears you may have are unauthorized access to the building and theft, vandalism or break-ins. As a result business security can be compromised. For example, opportunists can gain access to information systems or valuable property stored within file cabinets, and this can put the company’s confidentiality at risk.

Potential Consequences of Inaction

Now, there are multiple potential consequences of inaction or choosing not to change the locks after the loss of office keys. As mentioned, unauthorized entry risks are a real issue. This is seen in the fact that there has been a 40% increase in break-and-enter crimes over the late half of 2023, with thieves targeting small businesses in Toronto and point of sale terminals – this theft is a risk that can happen in situations with and even without key loss.

Other issues include compromised security protocols and liability in situations when there is a security breach. For example, if the lock replacement process is delayed, restricted areas of the business may remain unprotected and vulnerable, which is a breach of secure protocols in many businesses. And the business itself may be accountable or liable for any damages in the event it’s ruled that inadequate measures were taken to keep the premises secure.

Benefits of Changing the Locks

In changing the locks, there are multiple benefits, particularly a minimized issue in terms of accountability or liability in cases where the business is damaged by unauthorized access. This outcome is because adequate steps taken can prove the business aimed to enhance the security of the premises. But, there are a few other benefits of changing the locks or, for instance, replacing them with high security locks using commercial locksmith services or emergency locksmith services:

Restored security and peace of mind

With new lock installation, a commercial property can restore security to the office. For example, replacing the locks of restricted areas that may have been vulnerable will ensure the space is protected.

It can also ensure all employees have the peace of mind that the premises are secure again. This is especially the case when specific replacement locks are installed. For instance, with an access control system, traditional office keys are not required and security is greatly increased.

Enhanced Control when Accessing the Office

Changing the locks also ensures that the business has enhanced control when it comes to accessing the office, and in doing so, your business ensures that the lost key will not function in the new lock you install.

It works in other ways as well. For example, when only authorized personnel have the keys to specific areas, this restricts access to the building, limiting the chances of security breaches.

Alternative Cost-Effective Solutions

Yet, there are a few alternative cost-effective solutions that our professional locksmiths in Toronto can recommend if you need a highly secure solution. Some examples of alternative solutions – both cost-effective options and secure alternatives – are listed just below:

• Rekeying the existing locks: Rekeying existing locks is a less costly option than replacing door hardware. The process can be done in three ways:

1. You can call a locksmith in the Toronto area, who will rekey the lock for you.
2. You can remove the lock from the office door and take it to the locksmith with a key that opens it (if you have a spare).
3. You can rekey the lock with a kit by removing the lock with a screwdriver, taking the cylinder out with the retainer ring, removing old pins and inserting new ones, and then testing the new key.

• Implementing keyless entry systems: You may choose to implement a keyless entry system, which completely mitigates the need for physical keys. A locksmith can handle this process for you, or you can choose the system and complete the installation for all office entry points, set access permissions and test the system yourself.
• Upgrading to high-security locks: You could also consider upgrading to other high-security locks such as master key systems. This system will ensure that only authorized employees can access or enter restricted areas of your business and ensures that employees never need to carry large numbers of keys and this minimizes the chances of key loss.

About Our Locksmith Services

Lock-Up Services is more than a commercial locksmith, we offer 24 hour emergency locksmith services that enables us to come to your aid if you have lost your office key. Our many services also include:

• Commercial lock installation
• Lock solutions for institutions and hotels
• Security locking system installations for government offices and hospitals

Specifically, we offer expertise in commercial lock replacement and rekeying for businesses, and our services include the installation of high security products to keep assets and individuals fully protected.

Final Considerations for Changing the Locks After Losing Office Keys

The vulnerability of your office space can be concerning if you have just lost your office keys, and deciding whether to change the locks can depend on your budget and the urgency of the situation as well as the assets you need to protect and the chances of theft. However, it is vital to be proactive and prioritize the security of your business.

Take the key steps to ensure your premises stay safeguarded in this situation. Contact Lock-Up Services and using our services you can put the security of your office first and keep all assets and personnel safe.