“Don’t Get Locked into a Scam” — that’s the message we want every UK household to hear loud and clear.

As the Managing Director of Lockforce UK — a national network of locally-based trusted locksmiths — I’ve become increasingly concerned about the rise in rogue operators who exploit people during emergency callouts.

This article shares real experiences from across our network, the red flags you should watch for, and practical advice you can act on today to protect yourself tomorrow.

If there is only thing you take away from this today, it is to save down the phone number of a trusted and reputable locksmith in your area.

A Growing Crisis in the Locksmith Industry

It is disappointing to report that locksmithing in the UK remains unregulated, meaning anyone can advertise themselves as a locksmith without training, qualifications, or criminal background checks.

The consequences of this lack of regulation are serious. In 2024 alone, complaints about rogue locksmiths rose by 25%, with over 350 reports made to the Master Locksmiths Association.

That’s hundreds of cases where people were misled, overcharged, or left insecure in their own homes.

Local Victims. Real Stories.

We’ve seen this happen again and again. Take this example from one of our locksmiths, Peter Luckley (Lockforce Henley) who was called out to help a distressed homeowner. She had been locked out, contacted a locksmith online, and was quoted a modest fee. The person who arrived wasn’t local, demanded hundreds of pounds, and then threatened to leave her property unsecured when she refused to pay more. That night, she pushed a sofa against the door to feel safe.

In another case, a customer was promised a new lock and a spare key — but the spare key never arrived. Peter inspected the work and discovered it was a cheap lock, poorly fitted, and entirely unnecessary. Even worse, the supposed “local locksmith” had travelled over 60 miles to get there — a clear sign of deceptive advertising and a likely lead-generation middleman.

7 Warning Signs You’re Dealing with a Rogue Locksmith

1. Low “Starting Prices” That Skyrocket

You’ve seen the ads — “Emergency Locksmith from £39!”. But these are almost always bait-and-switch tactics. Once on-site, rogue traders inflate costs with mysterious extras. Some charge £300–£500 for basic entry, when the job should be closer to £90–£150.

According to the MLA, this is one of the most common complaints they receive.

2. No Uniform, No Identification

A professional locksmith will arrive in uniform and carry an ID badge. If someone turns up in plain clothes, can't identify themselves, or appears vague about who they work for — it’s a red flag.

3. Unmarked or Questionable Vehicles

Many rogue locksmiths show up in unbranded vans or private cars, often without proper tools. This not only suggests a lack of professionalism but may indicate they’re working under the radar — and may not be insured or DBS-checked.

4. A Suspicious or Fake Online Presence

Just because someone appears in local Google search results doesn’t mean they’re local. Many rogue outfits create fake location-based websites and use call centres to farm out leads to distant, unvetted subcontractors.

In multiple cases, we’ve seen locksmiths travel 50–100 miles to a job, posing as a local expert.

5. Pushy Behaviour or Aggressive Payment Demands

Rogues are known for pressuring customers mid-job to pay more — often refusing to leave without cash or even demanding payment to stop work that hasn’t been done. If a locksmith won’t give a written quote up front or insists on cash, walk away.

6. Unnecessary Drilling and Lock Destruction

Many rogue locksmiths don’t have the skills or tools to use non-destructive techniques. They go straight to drilling out the lock — which can damage the door and lead to excessive costs. A professional locksmith will explore all options available then explain and agree an appropriate action and related costs before commencement of work. There are many occasions where drilling the lock can offer the quickest and most effective action in the circumstances, but non-destructive entry will always be considered.

7. No Receipts, No Spare Keys, No Peace of Mind

If someone fits a new lock and doesn’t hand over a full set of keys or written receipt, your security could be compromised. In a recent incident we handled, the rogue never returned with the spare key — leaving the customer unsure who had access to her home.

A professional locksmith will issue paperwork, a warranty, and ensure you receive all keys before leaving.

How You Can Protect Yourself — Starting Now

You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to prepare.

Here are five steps you can take today:

1. Save a trustworthy locksmith’s number in your phone now. That way, you won’t be forced to rely on whoever appears first online in an emergency.
2. Avoid locksmiths advertising suspiciously low prices. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
3. Check reviews across multiple platforms, including Trustist and Google. Look for clear local ties and genuine feedback.
4. Ask questions: Are you local? Are you DBS-checked? Can I see ID?
5. Ask for a recommendation from a friend or family member.

Why Lockforce Cares

This article isn’t about promoting Lockforce — it’s about protecting people. We believe in our mission: Keeping You Safe.

That means calling out rogue behaviour when we see it and helping residents across the UK stay informed and empowered.

We’re proud to work alongside brilliant locksmiths across the country. Real people. Real professionals. Real peace of mind.

Need Help or Want to Save a Trusted Number?

Find your nearest vetted Lockforce locksmith using our postcode search below.

Lockforce UK proudly the most reviewed locksmith company in the UK.

Written by Sean Taylor, Managing Director of Lockforce UK

(18th May 2025)

Changing locks isn’t something most people think about until they need to. 

But whether you’ve moved house, lost a key, or experienced a security scare, changing your locks can be a smart and necessary step to protect your home or business. 

In this guide, we'll explore when and why you should change your locks, the benefits of doing so, and how Lockforce UK can help you keep your property secure.

When Should You Change Your Locks?

There are several situations where changing your locks is strongly recommended:

1. Moving Into a New Home

If you've just moved into a new house or flat, you can’t be certain who has copies of the keys. Estate agents, previous owners, or even contractors might still have access. Changing the locks ensures that only you and those you trust can enter your home.

2. Lost or Stolen Keys

If your keys go missing, there's always a risk that someone could use them to access your property. Rather than taking a chance, replacing your locks eliminates the risk of unauthorised entry.

3. Break-Ins or Attempted Burglaries

If your home or business has been broken into, it's crucial to replace your locks immediately. Even if the burglar didn't take a key, they may have tampered with the lock or found a way to enter your property again.

4. Divorce or Separation

If you’ve recently separated from a partner and they previously had access to your property, changing your locks ensures that only those you permit can enter. This is particularly important in cases where relations may not be amicable.

5. Tenant or Employee Turnover

Landlords should change locks between tenants to prevent former occupants from gaining access. Similarly, if a disgruntled employee leaves or a business undergoes management changes, updating locks is a necessary security measure.

6. Old or Damaged Locks

Locks suffer wear and tear over time, making them easier to pick or break. If your locks are rusty, stiff, or malfunctioning, replacing them can enhance security and prevent lockouts.

7. Upgrading Security

If you want to improve the security of your property, upgrading to modern high-security locks, such as anti-snap, anti-bump, and British Standard BS3621 locks, can provide better protection against break-ins.

What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Locks?

Replacing your locks offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Security – Ensures that only authorised individuals have access to your home or business.
• Peace of Mind – Eliminates concerns about lost or stolen keys falling into the wrong hands.
• Improved Lock Performance – New locks operate smoothly and reduce the risk of lock failures.
• Compliance with Insurance Requirements – Many insurance policies require locks to meet British Standards (BS3621). Failing to comply could invalidate your insurance.

What Type of Lock Should You Choose?

There are different types of locks suitable for various doors and security needs:

• Euro Cylinder Locks – Commonly used in uPVC and composite doors, but should be upgraded to anti-snap versions.
• Mortice Locks – Often found in wooden doors, these should meet BS3621 for insurance compliance.
• Night Latches (Yale Locks) – A convenient secondary lock, best combined with a mortice lock for extra security.
• Smart Locks – Keyless options that use digital codes or smartphone access, ideal for modern security setups.

Why Choose Lockforce UK for Lock Changes?

At Lockforce UK, we specialise in professional lock replacement and upgrades for homes and businesses across the UK. Our experienced locksmiths provide:

• Fast Response Times – Emergency locksmith services available.
• Expert Security Advice – Recommendations tailored to your property’s security needs.
• High-Quality British Standard Locks – Ensuring compliance with insurance requirements.
• No Call-Out Fees – Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Need to Change Your Locks? Contact Lockforce UK Today!

If you’re asking, “Should I change my locks?”, the answer is probably yes. Don’t leave your property’s security to chance—let Lockforce UK help you stay protected.

📞 Call us now on 0333 567 8920
🌍 Visit our website at: www.lockforce.co.uk

Secure your home, business, and peace of mind with professional locksmith services from Lockforce UK.

Lockforce are very pleased to welcome Tim Ashby - the latest locksmith in our growing network!

Lockforce are over the moon to welcome Clive Hunt as our latest locksmith who will be serving Kingston, Epsom, Weybridge and all KT postcodes in between.

Lockforce are delighted to welcome Marcus Priestnall as one of our latest locksmiths who will be serving his home town patch of Stockport and surrounding areas.

Security Today 

The Latest Trends in Home Security: What's New in the UK? 

Trending: 

Smarter Homes

The latest trends in home security are inextricably tied to technological advancements. Technology-driven security has become the cornerstone of safeguarding our homes, cutting-edge developments, such as smart home integration and artificial intelligence, are reshaping the way we protect our residences. Smart devices, sensors, and surveillance systems now work in unison to offer real-time monitoring, instant alerts, and the ability to control security remotely. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning provide the capability to distinguish between normal activities and potential threats, reducing false alarms and enhancing overall efficiency. It's not merely a shield against intruders; it's a network of intelligent defences that ensure the safety of your home, even when you're miles away. 

Strength in Numbers 

Teaming up with your neighbours via mobile apps has become some communities preferred threat deterrent. In a rapidly changing world, where security is a collective concern, community-driven home security initiatives have taken on a paramount role. These endeavours aim to foster a sense of shared responsibility, connecting neighbours to create safer living environments. Neighbourhood watch phone applications have enabled residents to be vigilant and collaborative in monitoring local security. These initiatives not only deter potential threats but also strengthen the bond among neighbours. As technology evolves, community-driven security now also involves the use of shared surveillance systems to alert neighbours of any suspicious activities. By working together, communities can act as the first line of defence, enhancing overall home security in the UK and promoting a sense of safety that extends beyond individual homes.

The Future? 

As we look to the future of home security in the UK, several transformative trends and technologies are poised to reshape the landscape. The incorporation of biometric access control, like fingerprint and facial recognition, will become increasingly common, providing a seamless and secure means of entry. Evolution in home security will not only address current challenges but also anticipate and adapt to future threats, ensuring homeowners have the most effective and efficient means of protecting their properties. We believe the future promises a smarter more interconnected approach to home security. 

Lockforce franchisee Nigel Manning celebrated his 1 year anniversary since starting his own locksmith business recently. 

Nigel has successfully established the new local operation in and around Exeter, got 87 reviews and a growing customer base.

To find out more about Nigel and his business, visit Lockforce Locksmiths Exeter.