The modern locksmith does far more than refitting and replacing the locks on your front door. That’s still an essential part, but nowadays, we focus on all sorts of security systems. Alarms, CCTV, security lighting and more are the things we regularly work with.
So, if you’re going to trust someone to come into your home or business, how do you know they’re legit? Is the industry regulated by anyone, protecting you from fraud, poor workmanship, or thieves?
Here’s the answer.
Is the locksmith industry regulated?
Let’s get straight into it. Unfortunately, the locksmith industry, as a whole, is unregulated. That means anyone can call themselves a locksmith, even without training or experience.
At Grays Locksmiths, we understand that this might sound like a troubling fact. You want to be able to trust a locksmith, after all. You’re letting them into your homes and trusting them to help you protect your valuables. It’s not something to be taken lightly.
We completely understand. That’s why we’re members of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). While the MLA doesn’t regulate the industry, its members must conform to strict operating standards and principles.
What is the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)?
The Master Locksmiths Association was formed in 1958. It’s a non-profit trade organisation, currently with around 1,400 members. Importantly, it allows consumers to check a locksmith’s credentials. It has the best interests of both clients and locksmiths at heart.
If someone is a member of the MLA, they will have had to prove their status as a locksmith. All members work to the highest standards, and all are qualified and experienced.
How do I know if someone is a member of the MLA?
Grays Locksmiths are proud to be members of the Master Locksmiths Association. To learn more about MLA members near you, check out the ‘Find a locksmith near you’ and ‘Member List’ tools. You’ll see us there, too.
We’re confident that any MLA locksmith you come across will do a great job on your home, business or vehicle. That said, doing your research and other background checks is still important. Read reviews and look at testimonials of past work to get a good idea of how they work.
If you’d like any more information on the MLA, check out their website. If you like, get in touch through their contact page.
Could I hire someone who isn’t an MLA member?
You can hire anyone you want to work on your locks and security systems. However, we’d highly recommend sticking to the MLA-approved individuals.
It’s not to say that everyone who isn’t an MLA member will do a lousy job or is untrustworthy. Far from it. But with the MLA, you get a pre-vetted, internally regulated organisation. Hiring a locksmith without these reassurances is more likely to go wrong.
In a worst-case scenario, you could end up with a ‘cowboy’ locksmith. This is frustrating for you – and us, too, since they’re bringing a bad name to the industry. By searching through the MLA members list, you can be assured that this won’t happen. In the unlikely situation that it does, you can trust the MLA to take action.
Get in touch with Grays Locksmiths
If you need someone to come out and work on your security system, we’d love to hear from you. Our team of skilled individuals works hard every day to look after you, our customers.
Whether it’s a new alarm system or CCTV, anti-snap locks or security lighting, we can help. Read more about our services on our website or, if you have any further questions, why not get in touch? We’re always happy to answer anyone’s questions, completely obligation-free.
If you’d like to know any more information about the MLA and how we’re associated with it, check out our page on their website. You could also ask us as many detailed questions as you like.
That’s about it from us this time. Remember, you don’t need an MLA locksmith – but since the industry is unregulated, it’s a good idea.