How To Find A Trustworthy Locksmith In Newcastle
Do you need a locksmith?
Whilst there is a vast range of professional locksmiths in Newcastle who are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), like us at NLS Security Ltd, there is a handful of unscrupulous dealers too.
But the good news is, there are steps you can take to check the credentials of a local locksmith – like asking them questions to prove their reliability and validity and seeing whether they have an up to date MLA ID card.
Here’s what you need to do to find a professional locksmith.
Four tips for finding a reputable locksmith in your area
1.Keep an eye out for third-party approval
MLA approved locksmiths are vetted, regularly inspected, and employ qualified locksmiths only. They have proven their legitimacy and often display the MLA logo with pride on their website and commercial vehicles.
It’s important to note that some companies make false claims of accreditation and use logos without permission which, in turn, can make it difficult to determine whether they are security industry professionals.
Fortunately, you can check if a locksmith is certified – and find MLA approved locksmiths in Newcastle – on the MLA website.
2.Do your online research
Word of mouth recommendations are a great way to find reliable Newcastle locksmiths , but you also want to establish whether the company has an online presence.
Do they have a website that includes their contact details? What about social media? Do they actively update their posts and respond to customer enquiries?
In most cases, rogue locksmiths won’t be on social media and, if they have one, their website will be basic and provide little information about the services they provide.
It’s also a good idea to check that the address advertised is genuine as some locksmiths have bogus addresses.
3.Stay local
Do a quick online search for ‘locksmiths near me’, and you’ll find a wide range of companies. But we must point out that not all of these will be Newcastle locksmiths , and some may be national call centres who sub out the work to anyone in the area at the time.
Our best advice is to check that their phone number is local. All numbers in Newcastle upon Tyne begin with the 0191 area code.
Listen carefully to how they answer the phone when you call too. A regional locksmith will use their company name, rather than something generic like “local locksmith”.
4.Request a quote
Before you decide which locksmith to choose, you want to know how much they charge.
The cost of hiring a locksmith can vary depending on the job, your location and the day/time, so it’s a sensible idea to get at least 3 quotes from different locksmiths in Newcastle . If someone is offering prices that seem too good to be true, this is a red flag and could mean that you’ll end up paying more further down the line.
Another thing to bear in mind is what vehicle the locksmith uses. Often, a reputable locksmith drives a van that incorporates their company name, contact details and a brief description of the services they offer. Most professionals also have a branded uniform which makes them easier to recognise. And they are equipped with the most reliable tools to change locks, duplicate keys, deal with lockouts, emergency repairs, and more.
Contact NLS Security today
Every one of our Newcastle locksmiths is MLA approved and covers all areas in the North East. We offer a comprehensive range of locksmith services and even provide a 24-hour call-out service.
To find out how we can help you, or for more tips on choosing a locksmith near you, call 0191 238 6000.
