In the midst of the morning rush, the door securely locks into place while your keys and on-the-go morning brew sit on the kitchen counter.

With the advancement of technology, a situation that would have resulted in drumming on a neighbour’s door to consult the Yellow Pages has been eased, with a list of locksmiths near you only a click away.

Johan du Preez, owner of Masterkey Locksmiths in Benoni, chairperson of the Locksmith Association of South Africa (LASA) and member serving member of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), warns that employing the services of unauthorised and ill-trained locksmiths could come with a hefty price tag and a stripped sense of security.

“As with all sectors, ours has seen a sharp increase in bogus service providers using social media platforms as well as Google ads to promote their business or piggy-backing on the reputations of registered LASA members,” he explained.

“By enlisting the services of unregistered locksmiths you are not only putting your security concerns in the hands of an untrained person but you are potentially contributing to a trend that could collapse the businesses of professionals who have dedicated years to the trade.”

According to Du Preez, the internet has proven invaluable in connecting customers and business, especially those offering emergency or after-hours services.

As convenient as it may be, it has not been successful in protecting consumers against unregistered service providers.

“The services of locksmiths are usually called upon in emergency situations and clients can be forgiven for calling the number of the first Google recommendation,” he said.

“Factors such as predetermined call-out fees also play a key role in selecting a service provider. This is, however, a cheap marketing tactic which could end up costing you more than a couple of minutes of proper vetting would have.”

He continues by saying that due to lack of proper training, these pirate locksmiths, as they are referred to, are often responsible for damaging locks and other security measures, thus leading to further inflation of repair costs.

“The fact that they are also not LASA or PSIRA authorised or registered could possibly open the door to would-be criminals not only gaining access to your property but having the keys to enter through the front door,” said Du Preez.

“Added to that, a quick fix by a trained professional could now become a costly affair in the hands of an individual lacking training.”

Key factors to look out for when looking for a locksmith:
• Check if the service provider is LASA registered. Instead of doing a browser search, log on to www.lasa.co.za
for a list of registered members in your area.

• Guard against flat call-out rates. “Most accredited locksmiths will, upon enquiry, offer a brief estimate of the associated costs,” said Du Preez. “Only upon inspecting the scope of work required would they be able to provide an educated quote which will include material costs as well as call-out fees.”

• Insist on documentation. LASA and PSIRA registered service providers are required to carry certification with them at all times. Insist on seeing these documents before continuing with the transaction.

“The birth of ‘pirate’ locksmiths has led to many customers feeling exploited and has had a negative impact on the livelihoods of reputable service providers,” he said in closing.

“By making informed decisions the community can assist in bringing an end to these unscrupulous operators,” Du Preez concluded.

ALSO READ: Theft of outdoor beams on the rise

ALSO READ: Concerns over crime and homelessness at Homestead Dam