subject: Tourist Advice - Finding a Locksmith in London [print this page] Tourist Advice - Finding a Locksmith in London
London is a huge city. Including Greater London, it covers six hundred and nine square miles and populates 7.5 million people. This represents approximately 12% of the United Kingdoms population.
With that many people inhabiting within the limits of the city, it is hardly startling that approximately three hundred Londoners and tourists a day find themselves locked out of their vehicles, houses and businesses and need help retrieving entry.
So how do you go about locating London locksmiths?
One first reaction may be to pick up a local phone directory or go on the web to lookup a locksmith in London, however a very important thing to realize regarding London is it is a massive metropolis made up of much smaller suburban areas and towns.
If you are a holidaymaker you need to know what district of London you're actually in (e.g. Wembley) and seek local locksmiths in that particular district. There's little point in contacting a locksmith that actually lives in an area of London miles away from where you are as it may take them several hours to get to you, and most of them may be reluctant to take that time from the day getting to you. If they decide to then you can be certain that you will be charged for their travelling time in addition to any expenses such as the London congestion charge.
When you have found a locksmith close by, ask them how long it may take to get to your location and get an idea of their costs. Most will have a fixed hourly fee, and 99 per cent of the time an adequate locksmith will be competent to acquire entrance to the majority of vehicles and homes within the hour. Be aware that even if it just takes them twenty five minutes to gain entry, you may still be charged for 1 hours work so don't be offended, they need to earn a living too!
It is essential to ask if they are CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) Checked, and if they can show evidence of it. A clean, CRB Checked locksmith will carry ID at all times and should be capable of providing evidence they haven't got a criminal record. This should be in the form of the official CRB logo on their ID badge and a certificate provided by the Criminal Records Bureau. If a locksmith is changing your locks, you need to be certain that they do not have a hidden past.
As a tourist, it may not be that clear how much you should be spending for a locksmith in London. Charges will vary slightly, but a ballpark estimate is around 60- 100 per hour in addition to parts and VAT (e.g. if a door lock needs to be changed or supplemental keys cut, etc). Any cheaper than this and the locksmith might not be that professional. Any greater than this and you might be able to find a cheaper quote elsewhere.
Hopefully you will not find yourself on the wrong side of a locked door during your time in London, but if you are then you know what to do!
