Beyond installation of locks, locksmithing is also about breaking locks. Now, that’s a profession and it’s a huge irony! Does this mean that these fellows can get set on a lock rampage or charge whatever, whenever they wish? What is the ethics? Is there a professional code of conduct? Come, let’s talk about it.
Locksmithing, dear all, covers a few basic services which should be downright fair and meet customer requirements. However, there are exceptions which all customers need to understand. There are certain locks-n-key systems which receive the protection of the law. Further, certain re-keying businesses cannot be carried out without proper authorisation. What are these?
Let’s start with installations
Do you know, Locksmithing firms undergo periodic sampling inspections, especially regarding recent installations? This is to ensure that skilled and honest workmanship has been employed to cater to customer needs. By these standards, security installations need to be supported by workmanship and material guarantees.
Insurance is something which is beyond question. Companies need to be insured to carry out the installation of locks, especially, security systems. Exceptions to this rule are when any work of alteration, reinstallation, or removal crops up is done by a person who is not from the installation company.
In the case of a faulty product, the locksmithing company has full rights to determine the cause after proper and thorough rectification. This company will also be liable to charge the service seeker wherever and whenever applicable. However, a company cannot charge if the product is under the guarantee period. Also, the chargeable amount is limited to the replacement value.
Key duplication should be a plain-speaking.
If we go by the Locksmithing code of conduct, any work of key duplication needs to be backed by a money-back guarantee. Sometimes, even a replacement is the liability. The charges, however, need to be limited to the cost of the key, precisely, its retail value.
Exceptions to this practice arise when keys requiring duplication are in extremely bad shape and cannot be used to produce a copy. The Locksmithing firm, then, has all the rights to notify the customer and carry out the task at the latter’s risk. All guarantees associated are automatically rendered null and void.
This exception also covered requests of key duplication for bent and broken keys. The company can mark such keys as ‘supplied after advice.’ Customers, needless to say, have to pay for the advice sought.
A company policy says that keys which are supplied against code numbers cannot be refunded or replaced. The only exception to this rule is when the company itself commits a cutting error. There are certain locks which need authorisation before duplication. All companies should oblige to this law for the sake of public interests.
About a locksmith breaking locks:
Say, you have locked yourself out of your residence and called up Locksmiths in Sevenoaks to save you from the distress. Interestingly, these professionals in Sevenoaks can refuse to let you gain entry to the property if you cannot produce a proof of ownership.
This is to ensure that they are not assisting you in some sort of crime. No, it is not your fault; it is part of their duty. Without a proof of residency, you don’t own the property; not at least in their eyes.
This code of conduct arises from the unethical action of squatters all around. According to the law, they must enter an abandoned property of interest without breaking in; this could lead to a criminal offence. However, practically it never happens. In fact, it is not possible at most times.
A squatter would just enter the property just like that and break open the lock on his own. Later, he would try to cover the damage by calling in a locksmith who can replace the locks. This is a real challenge because the person is already inside the property by unethical means and sadly, this cannot be proved.
Replacement guarantee on products is essential.
Security devices need to have the support of a replacement guarantee at least for a year. In the case of a faulty lock, the firm is liable to replace the product. The liability, however, is limited to the original price of the product of which a valid receipt must be produced.
Refund and exchange could be subject to handling charges. Products, if without proper packaging, are not refundable or exchangeable. Lock-outs during the guarantee tenure need explanations to the Locksmithing firm.
Why do locksmiths matter?
Of course, yes. What would we do without them when we are locked out of our residence? Who would install locks and security devices to perfection? Who would replace or rekey them when needed? We know not of any other profession that caters to these needs, do we?
Take a look at the picture below. It speaks of the crime statistics in Bexleyheath. The burglary incidents only seem to be increasing. At this hour of crisis, wouldn’t depending on good locksmiths in Bexleyheath be a wiser thing to do? It’s a red alert; think about it. And why only this area, these professionals are important all across the UK and even beyond.
Back to the topic, always choose a locksmith who follows the proper professional code of conduct. This guy needs to be trustful and law-abiding. He should be an honourable man who does justice to his profession.
Congratulations, if you have found one!