royal dust
So more often than not, the player is being chased to where the key is when they're about to finish the puzzle to get access to it. I'm currently playing the game so I was thinking, why not have it so there's a bit of foresight/detailing to it?
Basically, if a neighbor is chasing you and you trigger the key cutscene it will load up a alternative scene that will change the outcome a bit. Not to the point of changing the entire story, but changing the end of the day.
Take the bakery for example, Quentin is being chased by Gerda, he puts in the code and grabs the key. Instead of just staring at it, Gerda angrily shouts at Quentin to put it down (or just growls since no real voice acting sadly). After this Quentin will either be grabbed and put back outside with some parts of the puzzle reset (1 or 2 parts not a lot.) or he will find a way past them. The way I thought the bakery end would fully play out is Quentin slips over the counter and rushes outside, leading to Gerda standing at the entrance. Instead of chasing after him further, she angrily slams the bakery doors and marks it as 'closed'.
It could have the bonus effect of Gerda now aggroing even when you're in the lobby due to her now knowing she stole the key.
However that's just my interpretation. Please put your versions of these scenes or feedback below, thanks 
ornate gulch