Locksmiths provide essential services including emergency access, security & peace of mind to Homeowners and Business owners alike. However, the locksmith industry has become plagued by rogue operators, misleading practices, and consumer vulnerability. There is no UK government regulation of locksmiths, currently, and this has led to a growing number of bad practices.
Typical Bad Practices
1. Bait and Inflate Prices
Locksmiths advertising very low prices as click bait, but after completing the work, the actual bill is shown to have been substantially inflated. The reasons could be to cover extras, that the locksmith states weren’t included, or unnecessary work, or correcting damage that they’ve assured you had to be done to gain entry!
It’s been documented in the papers and by TV programs like Watchdog that some customers have been hit with bills hundreds of pounds higher than the original quote.
2. Misleading Advertising
Many rogue locksmiths use misleading adverts, claiming to offer very low prices or stating they’re a “local locksmith”, “approved by MLA” (Master Locksmiths Association) or even “police approved,” when they most definitely are not!
Other rogue locksmiths mimic brand names or logos of legitimate locksmiths, trying to trick customers into thinking they are part of a successful company. They could be covering large areas, based far away from you, using mobile numbers or local numbers that redirect. How long do you want to wait for a “local locksmith” if you’re locked out?
3. Causing Unnecessary Damage
Instead of using non-destructive entry methods, rogue locksmiths often resort to drilling or damaging locks, doors or frames – often unnecessarily, to increase their costs. They may even leave customers with an insecure property, as they haven’t got a well-stocked van with the necessary lock spares.
4. Using Poor Quality Locks
Replacement locks may be low quality or not suitable for the job in hand, leaving you with a security problem. All new uPVC door locks should be snapsafe and every lock should be up to the current British Standard. Poor quality locks may not even be up to your required insurance standards.
5. Lack of Transparency
The locksmith might refuse to provide a clear quote beforehand or be vague about what the quote actually includes. They could also demand cash and refuse to issue a receipt for the work.
6. Using Pressure Tactics
If a customer is locked out or their door won’t shut or lock properly, rogue locksmiths know they can pressure them into accepting higher charges and exploit their vulnerability.
If the customer disputes the inflated costs, they may even pressure them by refusing to leave the property until they’ve been paid.
Unregulated Locksmith Industry
With no government regulations in the UK, locksmiths can practice without any type of licence or certification. This has led to rogue locksmiths being able to work lawfully without any proper training, insurance, or background checks!
Many customers have limited knowledge of what is a fair price or whether their lock issue can be repaired or needs to be replaced, let alone what type of lock they should have for insurance purposes and their own personal security!
Online Advertising
Rogue locksmiths will use paid ads, with misleading keywords and false locality to dominate the search results for customers needing emergency help. They will click the top entry thinking they are local and trusted, not that they’ve paid to appear there.
Easy Start Up
Locksmith tools are relatively accessible and people with limited skills can set up their own locksmith business and advertising without much training or oversight.
Poor Consumer Awareness
A lot of people are unaware of bodies like the MLA, or what signs to spot a rogue locksmith. In many cases, people don’t even ask for quotes – they just want the problem fixed!
In summary, the rogue locksmiths are giving the locksmith industry a bad name!
Some Helpful Tips To Avoid The Rogue Locksmiths
- Check that they are registered on the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)
- Check charges, any call-out fee, a proper quote before starting work, a written invoice after completion, and acceptable methods of payment
- Check for insurance/indemnity in case of faulty work causing damage or theft
- Check customer testimonials on Google & Social Media
As an MLA registered local locksmith in Cheltenham, please contact me 24/7 for any lock problems or upgrades. I hate hearing about poor workmanship previously completed by rogue locksmiths and will do everything in my power to stamp them out!
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