MLA NEWS
ROGUE TRADER CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Standing Up for Our Trade
» ROGUE LOCKSMITHS ARE STILL causing problems— undercutting honest businesses and taking advantage of vulnerable people. The problem is not going away— in fact, it’ s getting worse.
In 2025, the Master Locksmiths Association( MLA) recorded 402 cases of rogue locksmiths overcharging for emergency lockouts, a rise of 15 % on the previous year. Every day we hear from the public about misleading online adverts and traders charging outrageous fees when people are already stressed.
This is not a new issue. In 2021, the MLA raised the matter in Parliament, questioning whether the locksmithing industry required regulation. The conclusion was that further regulation was unnecessary, as the MLA’ s vetting and inspection system was considered sufficient to protect consumers. Despite this, complaints to the MLA have since risen by 66 %, comparing the number received in 2021 with those recorded in 2025.
So where does that leave us? The primary issue now lies in the misuse of search engine advertising by rogue traders, who present themselves as legitimate businesses while pushing reputable, honest locksmiths further down search results.
Progress through our“ Be Part of Something Bigger” campaign
Our campaign is making a difference:
• MLA members across the UK have written to their MPs using our campaign template, and several have received positive, supportive responses. However, we are still being told that current regulation of online advertising is enough – an idea we are actively challenging.
• Victims of rogue locksmiths have also used our templates to contact their MPs, resulting in discussions with Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who is now supporting the progression of our campaign to government level.
• We’ re working with the Advertising Standards Authority and Trading Standards Scotland, who are now raising the issue publicly.
• We’ re talking to the Competition and Markets Authority and consumer advocates, including the Home Office’ s Fraud Strategy lead, to push for lasting change.
• We continue to engage with the media to help raise awareness of the issue.
‘ Consumers need an easy way to find a reputable locksmith’
Our message is clear:
Rogue locksmiths must be stopped. Consumers need protection. Only professional locksmiths should show up online.
We’ ll keep challenging search engines that put profit ahead of safety and legitimate trade.
Join the Fight All locksmiths and supporters— MLA members or not— can take action today.
Get our ready-made templates to write to your MP and push this issue higher up the political agenda:
Helping Consumers Make the Right Choice
Consumers need an easy way to find a reputable locksmith. While we recognise that not all trustworthy locksmiths are MLA Approved, the MLA’ s Find a Locksmith directory at www. locksmiths. co. uk provides a reliable option. The directory highlights professionals who are vetted, inspected, and meet recognised industry standards, and it is optimised to appear where consumers are searching online, helping people connect quickly with a trustworthy local locksmith.
For locksmiths who want to stand out and show their professionalism, joining the MLA as an Approved Company is the way to do it. Membership shows your commitment to best practice and helps consumers choose with confidence.
Want to join the MLA membership directory?
Email membership @ locksmiths. co. uk to find out more.
Together, we can protect consumers, defend our trade, and raise standards across the industry.
Join us— and be part of something bigger.
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JANUARY 2026
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