Many people believe that locking their door at night and leaving the key inside the lock makes their home safer. Of course, it seems like an extra safety measure, a way to avoid someone breaking into their homes. However, a safety expert warns that this habit, which is very common in many homes, it’s actually a huge mistake. Why? Because it doesn’t make your home safer, it can make thieves’ job easier, and cause serious issues in emergency situations. So, let’s find out more about this.
How not to lock your door
Samuel Prieto, home safety expert and member of Netpol, a Spanish company focused on public safety, explains that many people believe that leaving the key inside the lock means more protection. Unfortunately, he says it does not, it makes your home even less safer.
Prieto pointed out that, if you lock your door by leaving the key inside the lock, someone can use a strong neodymium magnet to move and turn the key from the outside.This means that a burglar could open your door without breaking anything, quietly and quickly. Because of this, the idea that locking your door with the key left inside is safer is simply false. It gives homeowners a false sense of protection, which can be dangerous.
Risk of leaving the key inside the lock
One of the most serious issues of leaving the key inside the door lock eases thieve’s job, but also creates serious issues during emergencies. Prieto shares a real example from his work: he once had to help unlock a home where a woman had fallen inside. Her children tried to enter to help her, but they could not open the door because the key was left turned inside the lock. Emergency responders were blocked too.
This shows that the habit is not only unsafe—it can actually prevent help from reaching you when you need it most. Something as simple as a key left inside can turn an emergency into a dangerous situation.
What locksmiths say about this
Locksmiths strongly recommend not to leave the key inside the door lock at night. Prieto commented that this habit is so popular that even some police officers have recommended it to theft victims, believing it added more protection. However, he insists on how serious this mistake is and how risky it is.
In several European countries, some types of single-cylinder locks—locks that get jammed if the key is turned inside—are actually banned. This is because they cause safety risks and can trap people inside or lock others out during emergencies.
This shows that the problem is widely recognized by security professionals.
Safer alternatives to protect your home
Prieto recommends other options that are safer than leaving the key inside the door lock, so let’s have a look at them:
- Double-cylinder or priority locks: these locks are designed so that even if a key is inside, someone with a key from the outside can still open the door. This prevents the door from becoming blocked during emergencies.
- Smart locks: Prieto also suggests using smart locks that do not require a physical key at all. These can include: PIN codes, fingerprint recognition, and facial recognition. Since there is no key, there is no danger of someone turning it from the outside.
- Additional security measures: For extra protection, Prieto recommends adding: additional deadbolts and security cameras. These tools increase the safety of your home without creating the risks associated with a key left in the door lock.
So…
The main message from the expert is very clear: locking your door is necessary, but leaving the key inside the lock at night is not safe. So, by understanding how risky this habit is and choosing safer alternatives, you can protect your home and avoid dangerous situations.