How To Spot A Rogue Locksmith In Newcastle

Accidentally locked yourself out of the house? Need a new car key cutting? Sounds like you could do with a locksmith…

Here at NLS Security, our MLA (Master Locksmith Association) locksmiths cover Newcastle Upon Tyne and the surrounding areas and have been doing for the last 40 years.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for emergencies and have a cosy waiting room where you can wait for your keys to be cut and help yourself to complimentary refreshments.

But not all locksmiths in Newcastle are like us, and there are several warning signs you need to be aware of to prevent you from hiring an unscrupulous dealer.

3 red flags to look out for when hiring a Newcastle locksmith

1. Low-cost adverts

One of the most obvious tell-tale signs of a rogue locksmith is that their prices are seemingly a lot cheaper than others in the area.

Many companies are falsely advertising their costs, i.e. locksmith services from £39. This is commonly known in the industry as the ‘locksmith bait and switch price scheme’ and the low price point is attracting desperate customers.

As much as we all love to grab ourselves a bargain, if the price looks too good to be true then, more often than not, it is.

Genuine locksmiths in Newcastle will provide a free estimate for the services they provide and tailor it towards your needs. We certainly do.

2. False claims of third-party accreditation

When hiring a locksmith, you want to be confident that they are fully insured to carry out work – either at your residential property, business, or on your vehicle.

It’s not uncommon for Newcastle locksmiths to lie about being certified, accredited, or DBS checked these days. However, a few quick online checks will reveal whether or not a locksmith company is vetted by a third party like they say they are.

According to MLA , there are 12 approved locksmiths within a 30-mile radius of Newcastle, and NLS Security is one of them.

We are open and honest and will be more than happy to provide details of our accreditations – including CHAS, Constructionline, Safe Contractor, and Checkatrade.

3. Vague on the phone

Whilst it’s important to be wary of the techniques a locksmith employs – especially if they attempt to drill open your door lock before trying other non-destructive methods – you also need to bear in mind their communication skills.

As a general rule of thumb when hiring Newcastle locksmiths , you will phone them up to seek advice or assistance and to ask for a price. After learning a little bit about the job, they should be able to get back to you with a fair quote.

But if they can’t give you an estimation, or they keep mentioning their “unbeatable prices”, this is a red flag and you should look at taking your custom elsewhere.

For more tips on distinguishing a professional locksmith from a rogue locksmith, check out our recent blog ‘ How to find a trustworthy locksmith in Newcastle ’. And if you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch with us today.