Key Security

Joined
Feb 16, 2001
Messages
30
Does anyone have any good ideas for what to put on my keys in case they get lost? I currently have a tag that says "$50 Reward if returned , 425-422-xxxx" The phone number is for my cell. I don't want to put my home address on there for the security risk (somebody has my address AND my keys). I suspect that a creative person could find my address with my cell number, but I don't know what else to do. I could use a friend's number, but I would not want to impose that upon them. A non-descript e-mail address might be good, but some don't have e-mail access. If I do get a call, I still can't give my address. I suppose I could have them sent to the local Post Office.

Any ideas?
 
If your keys get lost out in the city somewhere and they're unmarked, no one will have any way to know which house/car they go to, and your security is not really compromised. Any kind of marking or contact info on the keys puts you at greater risk. Still, a cell phone number is one of the best things to put on keys if you want them back. Try to do a reverse lookup on the internet to see if your name, address, or any other information comes up when your cell phone number is entered. If you do lose your keys and get a call, volunteer to drive over to where they are, or meet at a public place. While the chances are slim, someone could find the keys, copy them, call you, give them back, and then follow you home and/or get your license plate # & try to find out where you live that way. My keys are unmarked, so if they get lost I know they will never find their way back to me.

You should also have an extra set of keys stashed somewhere, so you can still get in your house if you lose your keys. Leaving them with a neighbor you trust might be a good idea, depending on how well you know and trust your neighbors. Don't ever stash a key in your yard, but stashing one in someone's yard a block or so away might be safe.

I keep my keys on to a chain attached to my belt loop and I never have to detach them. The chain is long enough to reach a car door or ignition, and my front door lock. The only way I can lose my keys is if I lose my pants, and that doesn't happen very often at all, 2 or three times a year, tops. FWIW, I keep the chain completely in my pocket, not hanging out as a fashion statement.
 
I like the idea of a public meeting. Some keys I have are irreplacable and I have a big deposit on a couple.
 
Originally posted by medusaoblongata You should also have an extra set of keys stashed somewhere, so you can still get in your house if you lose your keys.

Indeed a great idea. I keep spare car and house keys in my wallet, which is always on me, in a front trouser pocket.
 
Originally posted by Blades
What about your work address and phone number??

Blades

Always use your work address if you need to display an address. My preference would be to use my work phone number over my wireless phone number.
 
Back
Top