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The Beat to Locksmithing One Year On: Eaton Locksmith
» WE CAUGHT UP WITH JIM EATON, the not-so-new face( as it has been over a year) behind Eaton Locksmiths, based in Moulton, Northwich. After a long career in the Army and Police, an unexpected accident gave Jim the push to become a self-employed locksmith. How are things going now? That’ s what we wanted to find out!
From Army to Police to Full-Time Locksmith
I joined the Army first and left in 1995. Part of my resettlement included a locksmith course, which I enjoyed straight away. Back then I was considered too old at 25 to be a proper apprentice, so I carried on part-time while building my police career.
I spent ten years with Greater Manchester Police, then six with Cheshire Constabulary. Along the way, I worked in response and neighbourhood roles working closely with the Public Protection Units, checking security for schools and vulnerable people’ s homes, often using Secured by Design initiatives. That experience taught me how to spot weaknesses and recommend the right locks, cylinders, or CCTV to make properties safer.
An accident meant I had to leave the Police, and that pushed me to return to locksmithing full-time. I wanted to pick up where I’ d left off and really build my own business.
Why I Enjoy Locksmithing Locksmithing suits me because I’ ve always been hands-on. I like fixing things and solving problems, which isn’ t so different from policing – when you get an issue, you need to work out the best solution.
I also like working with people. Police work taught me a lot about communication, and I feel confident engaging with all kinds of customers. I spent a long time before I retired going on different courses and refining my knowledge so I could offer a wide range of locksmithing skills, and I’ ve met other locksmiths through training courses, stayed in touch with them, and we share ideas and problem-solve together
Building Eaton Locksmiths
I officially launched Eaton Locksmiths on June 3, 2024. I started with domestic locksmithing, van locks, and roller shutters. Since then, I’ ve taken courses in access control and glass and aluminium doors and recently completed ASSA Abloy foundations course along with a number of CCTV and alarm courses.
I cover Cheshire West and surrounding areas. My aim is to offer honest, reliable service at a fair price. I hate hearing
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NOVEMBER 2025
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