Active Lock Centre

Active Lock Centre: MLA-approved locksmithing in Welwyn Garden City

Active Lock Centre is a family-run locksmith business based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The company has served local homes and businesses since 2000, according to its website, while also describing itself as established in 1980 and citing more than 40 years of practical locksmith experience. Jon Horsley is the locksmith who handles calls and attends jobs; the business presents itself as an alternative to national call centres, with customers speaking directly to the person doing the work.

Active Lock Centre states that it is the only MLA Approved Company based in Welwyn Garden City. Jon is an MLA Approved Company Member and received the Master Locksmiths Association Nigel Rose Bowl Award in 2018. The business is also a Which? Trusted Trader and Hertfordshire Trading Standards approved, and is DBS checked and fully insured.

Emergency locksmith and lockout assistance

The company provides 24-hour emergency locksmith services for homes, landlords and local businesses. This covers lockouts, lost keys, broken key extraction and urgent lock repairs. Non-destructive opening methods are used wherever suitable to avoid damage to the lock and door. Because Jon is based locally, the website states he can often attend within 30 to 45 minutes when available, and an estimated arrival time is given when calling.

No call-out fee is charged; customers pay for agreed labour and parts. The available options and likely costs are explained before work begins.

Residential locksmith services

For residential customers, Active Lock Centre handles lockouts, lost keys, broken key extraction and urgent lock repairs. The service also includes lock changes and security upgrades: replacement of rim cylinders, euro cylinders, mortice locks, night latches and British Standard locks. Anti-snap cylinders and keyed-alike options are available where suitable.

Every job begins with a diagnosis of the lock, cylinder, handles, door alignment and complete mechanism before repair or replacement is recommended. This approach is intended to avoid unnecessary parts and help customers make an informed decision.

uPVC and composite door repairs

Active Lock Centre repairs uPVC and composite doors affected by stiff handles, dropped doors, failed gearboxes and multipoint locks that will not engage. Jon checks the alignment and full locking system, then repairs the cause rather than simply changing the cylinder. Suitable gearboxes, handles and repair locks can often be fitted during the visit.

Commercial and specialist locksmith work

For shops, offices, communal entrances and managed properties, the company offers commercial lock repairs, aluminium door hardware, code locks, panic hardware, access control, master-key systems and on-site key cutting. Planned maintenance and security consultations are available for landlords, facilities managers and local businesses.

The mobile locksmith van carries professional tools, locks and commonly required parts for lockouts, lock changes, key cutting and uPVC door repairs, so many faults can be completed during the first visit.

Recent local jobs

The website lists examples of recent work in Welwyn Garden City and nearby Welwyn areas. In Wilshere Park (AL6), a wooden front door with a catching top hook was traced to a faulty multipoint gearbox; a replacement was fitted and every locking point tested. In AL8, a uPVC front door that would not lock after an attempted repair was found to have a failed gearbox inside the multipoint system; the damaged unit was replaced, alignment checked and the door fully tested. A separate job involved replacing a failed mechanical code lock on a key cabinet, installing a new code lock and testing the cabinet before completion.

Customer feedback

The website displays a Google rating of “EXCELLENT” based on 270 reviews, attributed to Google via Trustindex. The published reviews mention punctual arrivals, friendly and professional service, careful workmanship and straightforward advice. Individual comments describe lock replacements, front door adjustments, bifold and patio door repairs, and a key cabinet code lock replacement.