Notice Board
The Female Locksmith:
Going Beyond the Call of Duty
After 13 years in the police force, Corinne Vella leveraged her law enforcement experience in security, problem-solving, and community service, to transition into locksmithing.
» USING HER KNOWLEDGE TO HELP secure homes and businesses, focussing on vulnerable individuals, she launched: The Female Locksmith in 2024, serving South East London.
Transitioning for the Police to Locksmithing
After having my daughter in 2019 and spending time on maternity leave, my priorities shifted. I needed work that was more balanced and family-friendly, rather than the demands of shift work. Before becoming a mom, I loved the diversity and excitement of serving in the police, but over the years, the nature of the job took a toll on my mental health. I realised a change was necessary.
Locksmithing was put on my radar by a friend when we were brainstorming trades that were not‘ heavy’. My dad also suggested locksmithing after I did a course on paint spraying as another trade for consideration that wouldn’ t require carrying lots of heavy equipment.
‘ My unique selling point being a female locksmith is being able to work with women and vulnerable adults’
So, I did a locksmithing course in London that was relatively low cost and close to home. It was a five-day course, and I learnt enough to be able to start having a go, so during my free time I did small locksmithing jobs. In 2024, I did the MLA locksmithing course and expanded my knowledge further, I found the course very welcoming and supportive, I made some great contacts and joined a locksmith network. I then started my business as a self-employed locksmith.
USPs as a Female Locksmith
My unique selling point being a female locksmith is being able to work with women and vulnerable adults. In the police I specialised in domestic abuse and victim support, and these skills have come in handy being a locksmith. To handle these situations, I focus on the job, not being intrusive and treating people with respect, just getting the job done quickly! It also helps being aware of things such as Secure by Design and being able to advise people on securing possible entry points and explain all the options. I don’ t tell them what they should do or buy, instead I give the advice and allow them to make their own decisions.
Plans for the Year
I’ ve been renovating my house, which in doing so I’ ve learnt so many new skills, I’ m looking forward to completing that and no longer living in a‘ work in-progress’ state. I plan to grow my business around my being a mom and now my daughter is in school I have more time. I would like to do more MLA courses in the future.
Going Beyond the Call of Duty Being ex-police, I am naturally committed to doing a good job and going‘ beyond the call of duty’ which has helped me with locksmithing. Recently, I helped a lady who lives near me on my day off work with my daughter. I helped her over the phone, but it wasn’ t enough, she was in a mess with her door and
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MARCH 2025
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