Locked out of your car? Lost
your house key? Perhaps your key has snapped inside the lock at work?
We’re all guilty of rushing to
Google and searching “locksmiths near me” and clicking on the first one that we
find, but it’s crucial that you check their credentials. After all, you don’t
want to waste your time hiring a locksmith who isn’t licensed or insured.
Here Newcastle locksmiths
, NLS
Security, share a few tips to help you employ a trustworthy locksmith who is
fully certified.
How
to determine a reputable locksmith from an unscrupulous company
1.
Ask
them over the phone
One of the easiest ways to
check the credentials of a locksmith is to ask them outright.
A reputable locksmith will be
open and honest. They’ll be able to tell you what qualifications they have
under their belt and whether their work is inspected regularly.
If they can’t provide details,
this implies that they aren’t licensed or they have no credentials at all. In
which case, you should consider using a different company – preferably one that
is accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).
2.
Do
your online research
Whilst you could phone them up
and ask them personally about their credentials, it’s also worth doing some online
research.
Start by visiting their
website. Whilst we can’t speak for all locksmiths in Newcastle, details
regarding our company registration number and MLA membership can be found on
our website. Look out for client testimonials, too. This way, you can gauge
what it’s like to work with the locksmiths before you commit to anything.
What’s more, you can use the ‘ Find a locksmith
’
feature on the MLA website to verify whether the company you’re considering
using is approved or not. There are 355 members in total – and NLS Security is
one of them!
3.
Check
Google Maps
Increasingly more companies
are using fake addresses on their website to prevent customers from contacting them
with complaints. That’s why, before you opt to employ them, check that their
address is legitimate.
It’s a sensible idea to use
Google Maps to find out exactly where they are based, as you’d be surprised how
many so-called locksmiths are situated on the motorway or in a council-owned
building!
4.
Ask
them for proof of ID
On the day, the locksmith
should arrive in a van that incorporates the company logo and name. They’ll likely
have a uniform that features the logo too, as well as an ID card or lanyard
around their neck.
Most unscrupulous locksmiths
operate out of an unmarked vehicle and will be cagey when asked to provide
proof of their identification.
With that said, don’t be
afraid to ask them questions. Find out how much experience they have in the
trade, what training they have undergone, and whether they’re vetted.
After gathering as much
information as you need, you can then make an informed decision about whether
they are the right company for you.
Contact NLS Security
Whether you need a locksmith
in Newcastle to change the locks at your property, repair the locks after an
attempted break-in, or cut keys, the team at NLS Security can help.
Our trusted locksmiths are MLA
approved and DBS checked. That means – when you employ us – you can relax
knowing that the job will be done professionally and safely. We never skimp on
quality and efficiency and provide locksmith services
for
an affordable price.
To find out more about the
services we offer at NLS Security, or to discuss your requirements with our
experts, call 0191 238 6000.
