The idea of changing your home's locks may not have ever crossed your mind. However, there are a number of different circumstances in which it might be a good idea to do so. Here are two examples of such circumstances.

Your current locks are no longer in good working order

The condition of the locks in your property can play a significant role in the likelihood of your home being burglarised; the reality is that if yours are old and weak, they will be far easier for an experienced thief to disable. Conversely, the sight of a robust, high-quality lock that is in excellent condition could potentially deter a would-be burglar. Even in instances where they are determined and still attempt to gain entry to the house after seeing such a lock, its robustness will make it much more difficult for them do to so.

It's also worth noting that if the lock to one of your home's exterior doors has sustained a lot of wear and tear and you fail to replace it, you may one day find that, when you attempt to turn the key, the lock's internal mechanism breaks and your key ends up trapped inside it. This will leave you locked out of your property, potentially for hours, whilst you wait for a locksmith.

As such, it's important to be aware of the signs of worn-out locks. If a lock in your home is covered in rust, seems stiff when you turn the key in it, or if you have to twist the key repeatedly before it opens, then you should consult with a locksmith about replacements.

You've lent your house key to another person

There are lots of circumstances in which it might be necessary to give someone a copy of the key to your house. You might, for example, give one to a tradesperson who is carrying out some renovation work on your home or to a house-sitter who will be looking after your property whilst you are away on holiday.

Whatever the reason, it's generally best to change the locks after you have lent your key to someone you don't know very well in order to reduce the chance of your home being burglarised. This is not to say that they themselves are untrustworthy, but rather that, whilst the key was in their possession, someone unscrupulous may have had access to it and been able to make a copy of it.

For instance, whilst you may feel confident that the aforementioned house-sitter is a very honest person, it is possible that they may have an acquaintance who is less trustworthy. In this type of situation, it is best to err on the side of caution; after all, having your home's locks changed is far less stressful than dealing with a burglary.