How did Radlett grow?

Radlett was a small roadside settlement on Watling Street until the Midland Railway opened a station there in 1868. Commuter housing followed, and in the early twentieth century much of the land was developed with large houses in generous plots. Many homes in Radlett today are substantial detached houses with long gardens, alongside later infill, newer cul-de-sacs and some flats near the station and the High Street. The area around the High Street is the Radlett North conservation area, and the southern approach along Watling Street is Radlett South. Radlett is in Hertsmere.

Why do larger houses bring more lock work?

A big detached house rarely has just a front and back door. There may be:

a main front door, often timber, with a mortice lock and a night latch
a back or kitchen door, and sometimes a boot room or utility door
French doors or bifold doors on to the garden
an integral garage with an internal door into the house
side gates, outbuildings and garden rooms

When you move into a house like this, every one of those locks needs thinking about. It helps to walk round with a list before you send an enquiry, noting each door and what kind of lock it has.

Are bifold and patio doors different?

Yes. Sliding patio doors and bifold doors usually have their own locking systems, often with a euro cylinder on the main opening panel and shoot bolts on the others. Many locksmiths can replace the cylinder, but a fault in the mechanism of a bifold door may need a specialist in that make of door. Say what kind of door it is in your enquiry.

What should I check about insurance?

Higher-value homes can come with insurance policies that set specific requirements for locks, and sometimes for alarms. Read the security section of your policy, and if it names standards such as BS 3621 for mortice locks, mention that in your enquiry so any new locks match.

What if there has been a break-in?

If it is in progress, call 999 and stay away from the house. Once it is over, report it to Hertfordshire Constabulary on 101 or online and note the crime reference number. If keys were taken, every lock they fit should be changed.

Does WD7 cover Shenley as well?

Yes. Shenley, a village to the north-east of Radlett, shares the WD7 postcode district. Much of its newer housing stands on the site of the former Shenley Hospital, which closed in the late 1990s. The hospital's tower was kept and converted into flats, and the rest of the grounds became a mix of houses and apartments. In homes like these, and in the newer cul-de-sacs around Radlett, the locks are often still the ones the developer fitted, typically the same euro cylinder on every outside door. If you are not sure who else was given keys during the sale, a locksmith can usually swap those cylinders without touching the rest of the door.

What details help with a Radlett enquiry?

the number of outside doors and gates, and what each one is
photos of the locks
whether you have just moved in
your WD7 postcode and a phone number

Who you will hear from

We pass your enquiry to one local locksmith, if one covers your postcode. It is never sent to a list of companies. If nobody covers your postcode, we will tell you and will not pass your details on.