Notice Board
From The Beat : Jim Eaton
» WE CAUGHT UP WITH THIS NEW locksmith Jim Eaton of Eaton Locksmiths Based in Moulton , Northwich . After working for the Police for 15 years , an unfortunate accident led Jim into resuming his locksmithing studies and starting his own business …
Tell us about you career before becoming a locksmith ?
Before the Police , I was in the Army and left in 1995 and did a locksmithing course as part of the resettlement programme that trains Army leavers in trades ready for work in the outside world . I enjoyed the course , but unfortunately in the 90s I was considered too old to be an apprentice at 25 , so I worked part-time as a locksmith alongside being in the Police building my skills .
I worked for Greater Manchester Police for 10 years , before I transferred to Cheshire Constabulary for a further five years . Unfortunately , I had an accident which led me to having to change career ; I enjoyed being a locksmith and had a strong desire to do it full-time . That is when I decided to pick-up from where I left off with my locksmith training and setup my own locksmithing company .
Does your previous career help with being a locksmith ?
I worked with Public Protection Units dealing with vulnerable people , assessing their properties and buildings . This involved checking security on schools and homes , advising on how to increase security with high security cylinders , locks and CCTV etc , through the Secured by Design initiative ( SBD ).
SBD is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live , work , shop and visit . It was very useful being a locksmith having experience of advocating SBD , and knowledge of crime prevention and accredited security products . I feel in fortunate position of being able to advise the right products , and being a former Police officer , I hope that people will appreciate my advice .
What do you like about being a locksmith ?
I have always been ‘ hands-on ’ and good at fixing things ; all my family were engineers and it ’ s similar to policing in a way that you are given a problem and need to find a way of fixing it . It also involves working with the public , of which I have plenty of experience . I have developed a wide range of communication skills , and I feel confident in engaging with people from all walks of life .
I ’ ve met so many wonderful people at the MLA training courses I ’ ve attended , whom I stay in-touch with and we like to share knowledge and problem solve together . I am a proud member of the MLA .
What services will you be offering ?
From 3rd June 2024 , Eaton Locksmiths ’ official launch date , I will be offering domestic locksmithing , van locks , roller shutters installation and maintenance . I intend to take further MLA courses : access control and glass and aluminium doors , I will be attending the Qualified Master Locksmiths training in June .
Which areas will you be covering ?
I am based in Moulton , Northwich , so I will be covering Cheshire West and surrounding areas . I am very much looking forward to becoming a full-time locksmith . I will be focusing on providing the best service I can offer as an accredited MLA locksmith . I hate the stories I hear of people being ripped off by rogue locksmiths ; I have a strong desire to ensure people get the job done at a fair price and improve their security in the process to prevent crime .
My website will launch at the end of June and my Facebook page at the beginning of June . I will change my LinkedIn profile to a locksmith and then I will be official ; I look forward to my next chapter as a locksmith and will see how it goes .
Any other locksmiths wishing to connect with me please do so … Jim3003 @ eatonlocksmiths . com 07948 796585
JUNE 2024
5
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal . co . uk