Based in Leeds, we operate as a fully independent locksmith service, distinct from national companies that often appear local. With a family-run structure and more than 15 years of experience, we focus on delivering a reliable and professional service. All enquiries are managed directly by Ben Gatenby, ensuring that customers receive accurate advice and prompt assistance. We work with both residential and commercial clients across the city, maintaining a strong commitment to quality.
We prioritise clear and competitive pricing by eliminating call-out fees entirely, including during evenings and weekends. Furthermore, we do not charge VAT, offering immediate financial benefits to our customers. Our services include lock repairs, replacements, emergency entry, and security upgrades. We also support a variety of payment methods, including modern digital options, to ensure convenience. With numerous positive reviews reflecting our standards, we continue to provide an efficient and trustworthy locksmith service.
We prioritise clear and competitive pricing by eliminating call-out fees entirely, including during evenings and weekends. Furthermore, we do not charge VAT, offering immediate financial benefits to our customers. Our services include lock repairs, replacements, emergency entry, and security upgrades. We also support a variety of payment methods, including modern digital options, to ensure convenience. With numerous positive reviews reflecting our standards, we continue to provide an efficient and trustworthy locksmith service.
Served areas
- Leeds
Details
- Year established: 2008
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Family-run locksmiths with over 15 years experience
- No call out fee or VAT charged ever
- Emergency locksmith service available 24/7 in Leeds
- Specialists in UPVC, composite and aluminium door repairs
- High security locks and burglar alarms supplied and fitted
- Keyed alike solutions for homes and businesses
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
At 1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds, we deliver a dependable local locksmith service supported by over fifteen years of practical experience. As a family-operated business, we place strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and honest pricing, with no call-out fees or VAT applied. We install high-quality locks efficiently, typically completing work in one visit, all backed by insurance, certification, and a twelve-month guarantee. 
We specialise in UPVC door and window locking solutions, offering installation, repair, and replacement of multi-point systems. Even obsolete mechanisms can often be upgraded through careful modification of existing frames. Our service includes realignment to improve operation where doors have shifted. Early intervention is essential, as unresolved resistance typically results in significant damage to the locking system. 
At 1st Defence Locksmiths, we provide expertly installed alarm systems tailored to each clients needs. Our family-run business ensures a personalised approach with competitive pricing. We avoid pushy sales methods, instead offering clear and helpful advice. Each alarm system is installed according to your preferences, whether you require a basic or complex solution. 
We provide bespoke high security steel doors designed to safeguard commercial premises. Our doors are available in a range of thicknesses from 45mm to 70mm and are supplied and fitted to meet precise security requirements. Each door features fully welded construction, anti-crowbar protection, galvanised materials for durability, and advanced multipoint locking systems, ensuring robust and reliable protection. Suitable for personnel doors, fire exits, warehouses, and workshops, our installations combine modern aesthetics with uncompromising security. Our team conducts thorough site visits to tailor each doors specification and guarantee a seamless, professional fitting process with minimal disruption to your business operations. 
We provide comprehensive aluminium door repair services, covering everything from alignment issues to lock replacements. Our team supplies and fits all necessary components for both domestic and commercial doors. By restoring proper function, we ensure smooth opening, secure locking, and dependable operation, maintaining the standard expected when the door was originally installed. People
Ben Gatenby
Hi Im Ben Gatenby the owner and manager of 1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds. I founded my locksmith company in 2008. I already had quite a lot of locksmith experience by this point working in different disciplines of the locksmith industry. My dad was a locksmith and so I had been around the trade my whole life.
Reviews (26)
Carole Leeming
Mar 02, 2026
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Janine B.
Feb 28, 2026
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Reece Allen
Feb 27, 2026
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Danny S.
Feb 25, 2026
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Ben was fantastic. He called me back 20 minutes after me leaving a voicemail and was with me after another 30 minutes or so. He explained the problem, talked me through the options and had my locks fixed quickly, efficiently and at a great price.
Next time I need any locks looking at, I'll be sure to call Ben before anyone else. First class service.
Next time I need any locks looking at, I'll be sure to call Ben before anyone else. First class service.
Sarah Barnett
Feb 22, 2026
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Ollie Cutts
Dec 30, 2025
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Amber Walker
Dec 29, 2025
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Paula Wheeler
Dec 12, 2025
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Dan is reliable, very reasonably priced and most importantly, knows what he is doing !
I first used him to replace a locking mechanism on a door and subsequently asked him to service, realign and repair my uPVC double glazed windows
I found that he is willing to look for the best solution for his customer's budget, not upselling new parts that are not necessarily required and did the work in a neat and timely manner
I would not hesitate to recommend him
I first used him to replace a locking mechanism on a door and subsequently asked him to service, realign and repair my uPVC double glazed windows
I found that he is willing to look for the best solution for his customer's budget, not upselling new parts that are not necessarily required and did the work in a neat and timely manner
I would not hesitate to recommend him
Katie Schulz
Nov 16, 2025
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Chloe Jayne
Nov 14, 2025
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Ben was fantastic - honest, helpful and efficient. He knew exactly what the problem was just by looking at the door. He explained everything before carrying out the work and was quick and efficient in doing so. I would absolutely recommend Ben to anyone needing work done and I won't look anywhere else if I need anything in future.
David Roundtree
Nov 10, 2025
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Mandy Gaines
Oct 19, 2025
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Brilliant service. Came within an hour and 20 mins and changed my lock to the front door as I was unable to get my key out the lock. Highly recommended. Talked me through the doors issues and realigned the door aswell for me. Also got Ben to check the back door as im having issues with that too. He's told me the issue which will be resolved ASAP. Thank you so much Ben, thats a weight lifted off my head!!
T. M.
Sep 19, 2025
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Peter Womersley
Sep 15, 2025
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Karlitomalik
Aug 31, 2025
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Kelly McKalbar
Aug 26, 2025
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Harpinder Shoker Hari
Aug 20, 2025
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I had an issue with my door where the lock mechanism was catching and making it difficult to lock. The locksmith came out promptly and quickly identified the problem. He realigned the door and had everything working smoothly in no time. Very professional, friendly, and efficient serviceId definitely recommend them to anyone needing locksmith work.
Helen Jenkinson
Aug 11, 2025
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Wendy Tinson
Aug 09, 2025
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Charlotte Roberts
Jul 29, 2025
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David Lodge
Jul 28, 2025
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Alghali Family
Jul 23, 2025
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Gruffalo Cottage
May 11, 2025
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C. Bo D.
May 11, 2025
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Bev Lockwood
Apr 20, 2025
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Daniel Cooper
Mar 16, 2025
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