Why Hull is the UK’s Lost Key Capital: A 5-Year Study on Yorkshire Forgetfulness
In the world of British security, some statistics are predictable; London has the highest volume of calls, with coastal towns like Poole seeing the most salt-corroded locks. But we’ve recently launched our Forgetfulness Index study of over 354,000 locksmith jobs from the past 5 years and one regional anomaly stood out so sharply it couldn’t be ignored.
Hull: The Official “Lost Key Capital” of the UK
While the rest of the nation grapples with their door handle not going up, or snapped keys, the residents of Kingston upon Hull are fighting a different problem: lost keys.
Our data reveals that if you live in Hull, you are statistically more likely to find yourself staring at a locked door with empty pockets than anywhere else in Britian.
The Stats: Hull and the Forgetfulness Gap
To understand the scale of issue, we looked at the percentage of jobs categorised specifically as ‘lost keys’ or ‘keys locked inside’*. Throughout the UK, on average lost keys account for roughly 8.85% of locksmith calls.
- The Hull Rate: In Hull, this figure jumps to 86%
- The Comparison: Residents in Hull are 45% more likely to lose their keys than the national average
While Londoners might lose more keys in total volume due to population size, the likelihood of individuals in Hull losing their keys is the highest in the country, topping even Manchester, Birmingham and even the nation’s capital.
Hull Lost Key Rate vs Other Regions
Not all regions equally forgetful when it comes to wandering keys. Based on the percentage of jobs attributed to lost keys, here are the UK’s most forgetful hotspots:
Rank | Region | Lost Key Rate |
1 | Hull and East Yorkshire | 12.9% |
2 | Northern Ireland (Ulster) | 12.7% |
3 | Aberdeen | 12.4% |
4 | Highlands and Islands | 12.3% |
5 | Blackburn | 12.0% |
The Anatomy of a Hull Lockout
Our data doesn’t just tell us who’s losing their keys, but how it’s happening. In Hull, the “Access Gap” is the primary driver of emergency calls.
The “Back of the Door” Syndrome
A significant portion of Hull’s lockouts involves the “Keys on Inside” error. Because many of the city’s traditional and uPVC doors use cylinders that won’t operate if a key is already inserted on the other side, a momentary lapse in concentration while taking out the bins or unloading the car becomes a £140+ mistake.
The Sunday Surge
Interestingly, Hull follows the national “Sunday Syndrome” with extreme intensity. Emergency lockout calls in the city peak between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Sundays, nearly double the rate of Tuesday mornings. It seems the “Sunday Night Blues” hit Hull’s memory harder than anywhere else.
Why Hull? Understanding the Regional Data
Why does one UK city claim such a dominant lead in the Forgetfulness Index? While data alone can’t track every individual’s morning routine, we can look at the Locksmith Logic:
- High uPVC Density: Hull has a high concentration of uPVC doors, and these doors are prone to seasonal shifting. If a door is slightly out of alignment, it requires more “thought” to lock and unlock.
- The Commuter Window: Hull’s peak lockout times align perfectly with the “Commuter realisation”—the moment a resident returns home from work and realizes their keys are still on their desk or, worse, somewhere on the A63.
How Hull Residents Can Drop Down the Leaderboard
Based on our 5-year study, here are two ways to beat the “Yorkshire Forgetfulness” trend:
- The “Thermal Check”: Given Hull’s coastal climate, uPVC expansion is a major factor. If your handle feels stiff, it’s distracting you from your routine. Adjust your hinges to ensure your door operates with a “single finger” of pressure.
- The Key-Safe Solution: For the 12.86% of residents prone to losing keys, a police-approved key safe is the only 100% effective cure for the “Lost Key Capital” penalty.
About the Data
This study was conducted by Keytek® Locksmiths, analysing 354,363 job records between 2020 and 2025. The “Forgetfulness Index” utilizes keyword analysis and job categorization to isolate human error from mechanical failure.
Want to see where your city ranks? Visit the Forgetfulness Index
Jessica Davies
Jessica brings over six years of specialised expertise to Keytek's comprehensive UK location guides, combining meticulous research with genuine local insight. As the architect behind Keytek’s area profiles, she delivers essential intelligence on house prices, crime statistics, schools, and community character—everything you need to know about the city or town.
Armed with a photography degree from the University of Brighton and an exhibited portfolio, Jessica approaches each location asking, "What would it be like to live here?" This perspective transforms dry statistics into lived experience, revealing not just what places cost, but what they truly offer.
Since 2019, Jessica has partnered with Keytek®'s security professionals, weaving real-world safety expertise into every guide. Her work addresses practical realities: Is this neighbourhood genuinely safe? What security considerations matter? How does local infrastructure support daily life?
From bustling cities to quiet villages, Jessica's field research uncovers authentic local character. Her commitment to accuracy and on-the-ground investigation has established her as a trusted voice—helping people navigate different locations across the UK and home security with complete confidence.
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