Don’t get picked by a rogue emergency locksmith

Don’t get picked by a rogue emergency locksmith

Hertfordshire Trading Standards has noticed an increase in complaints about rogue locksmiths and is warning residents on the pitfalls and how to find a genuine one instead.

Often when locked out, the first thing people do is to Google a locksmith and in panic contact the one at the top of the search list. Unfortunately, there are criminals who are preying on people at their most vulnerable moment and they pay for their adverts to be seen first, hooking people in with seemingly low prices – however these are never what is actually charged.

The cheap price comes at the price of the lock being drilled. These emergency lock smiths don’t have the skill to open the lock by using non-destructive methods. The price dramatically increases for a new lock to be supplied and fitted. Complainants have been regularly charged over £500 and in the worst case as much as £3,000.

The rogue locksmith always brings a mobile payment device with them and people feel intimidated into paying, always well over the initial quote, for 10 minutes work and a substandard lock. In some cases, damage to property has also been caused, due to a lack of skill or training to do the work.

To help avoid this situation, please don’t just Google ‘emergency locksmith’ and hope for the best. Instead, use a Which? fully vetted trustworthy trader by calling 01707 292429 or go online to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/goodtrader Alternatively, find a locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association, as they are fully trained and will try to open the lock using non-destructive methods where possible. Call them on 01327 262 255 or go online to www.locksmiths.co.uk.

Better still, find yourself a reputable locksmith now and save them as a contact in your phone, so that you are not searching for one when you are locked out of your property.

You may also opt to install a key safe, to store a spare key securely. Ensure that the key safe is of solid construction and where possible, install it out of sight from any passers-by.

Please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 if you have been a victim of this fraud or call trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 if you require advice or support for a victim of fraud.