Notice Board
Master locksmith calls for licensing to tackle rogue traders
» A MASTER LOCKSMITH IS CALLING for the introduction of a formal licensing system for the industry, warning that a lack of regulation is leaving consumers vulnerable to rogue traders.
Craig Andres, founder of locksmith directory The Perspicacity Life, says formal licensing can help improve consumer confidence and distinguish professionals from opportunists.
At present there are no legal requirements to become a locksmith in the UK, meaning anyone can advertise or operate as one without formal training or vetting.
The lack of regulation has raised concerns across the industry about rogue traders entering the market, particularly those targeting vulnerable customers in need of urgent assistance.
Industry concerns include reports of a“ bait-and-switch” scam, where rogue operators lure customers in with low call out fees before significantly increasing the costs during an emergency situation. According to Google Trends data there have been over 7,000 searches for‘ locksmith scam’ in the past month, while a recent UK investigation uncovered a locksmith charging nearly ten times their initial quote.*
In other cases, Craig says customers have experienced unnecessary damage caused by drilling, substandard or incorrectly installed hardware, and misleading claims that replacement locks are“ high-security”, despite not meeting that standard.
Craig Andres, founder of The Perspicacity Life said:“ Right now, anyone can call themselves a locksmith and that’ s a huge risk when you’ re letting someone into your home.
“ A formal licensing system would be a huge positive step for the industry and help ensure minimum competency standards are met.
“ We’ re seeing a big trust gap between customers and locksmiths at the moment and rogue traders are damaging the reputation of legitimate professionals.”
Customers seeking a locksmith are encouraged to use a vetted platform or go through a trade body or organisation, and Craig advises to always look for verified accreditation and request clear pricing before any work begins.
Locksmiths should also be able to provide a physical address and legitimate contact details, while customers must always check reviews from trusted sources.
Warning signs to look out for include extremely low advertised pricing, pressure tactics or vague explanations, and a lack of ID or branding on arrival.
Craig adds:“ The locksmith industry sits at the intersection of trade and security, so trust is absolutely critical.
“ Until formal regulation is introduced, platforms and organisations that enforce vetting and transparency will play a key role in protecting the industry’ s reputation.
“ Professional locksmiths must maintain high standards and offer fair pricing, so customers can make informed decisions and avoid rogue traders.”
The Perspicacity Life connects locksmiths with customers seeking emergency locksmith services and advertises independent locksmiths across the UK, covering England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
www. theperspicacitylife. co. uk
Sources: * https:// trends. google. com / trends / explore? date = today % 205-y & q = locksmith % 20scam, * https:// www. bbc. co. uk / news / articles / c20825qwgz2o
10
APRIL 2026
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