Emergency Locksmith in Virginia Beach, VA

What makes a lock problem urgent

Safety is the test.

• Someone vulnerable is inside. A child, a person who needs medication or care, or a pet locked in a home or car: call 911 first.
• After a break-in. If anyone may still be inside, call 911; otherwise contact the police first. Let officers see the damaged door before anyone touches it, then have it secured.
• Extreme heat or cold. A long wait outside on a very warm, humid afternoon or a cold night can be dangerous for older people, infants and anyone unwell.
• Storm damage. NOAA calls Superstorm Sandy in 2012 the costliest event ever to affect Virginia, with severe coastal flooding from storm surge. A door forced or warped by wind or water may not lock at all.

Stay safe while you wait

Wait somewhere lit and occupied: a neighbor's home, a store or a locked car. Do not force a door or window to get in. If the home was broken into, stay out until police say it is clear.

When a court order changes who may enter

Va. Code § 55.1-1230 lets a tenant or authorized occupant who holds a family abuse protective order (§ 16.1-279.1), or an order under § 20-103(B) that grants possession to the exclusion of a co-tenant, give the landlord a copy and ask the landlord to install a new lock on the exterior doors at the landlord's actual cost, or to permit the tenant to do so. The landlord keeps duplicate keys and may not give keys to the excluded person. Ex parte orders are not covered. This is general information, not legal advice.

Location and situation

Most of today's city was Princess Anne County, a 253-square-mile county that merged with the 2-square-mile City of Virginia Beach in 1963, so say where in that area you are.

• The full street address, or the neighborhood and nearest cross streets, from Pungo to the North End
• What is wrong: a lockout, a door that will not lock, or break-in damage
• Whether police have been called, and any report number
• Whether anyone is inside

For the specific cases, see house lockout and car lockout, or the emergency locksmith service page.