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LOCKSMITHSHORTLISTLeicester & Leicestershire

LOCKSMITH & SECURITY ADVICE · REVIEWED 13 NOVEMBER 2026

Choosing a locksmith and avoiding misleading offers

Check who is coming, what they can do and how their price and approval claims can be verified.

Illustrative locksmith checking hardware at a workbench
Illustrative image · practical customer guidance

Know the business you are booking

Ask for the trading name, contact details, who will attend and who is responsible for the contract and payment. A booking platform, advert or lead broker may pass the job to another business; ask for those details before agreeing.

  • A low starting price, sponsored placement or a local-looking number does not establish the full price or the locksmith's location.
  • Ask about experience with your exact door, vehicle, safe or access system.
  • Advertising and subcontracting are not in themselves evidence of wrongdoing.

Check claims, not just logos

There is no general compulsory UK government locksmith licence. MLA Approved Company status is a voluntary trade-association scheme: verify the exact business in the MLA directory. Personal membership or a course certificate is not the same status.

  • General consumer law still applies. Voluntary membership does not replace it.
  • Treat unsupported police-approval claims, unexplained price changes and pressure to approve drilling as reasons to pause and ask questions.
  • Keep records. For an unresolved consumer issue, use the Citizens Advice consumer service; call 999 if threatened with immediate violence.
Locked out of homeLock & broken-key repairsLock changes & lost keys

Sources & review

Original directory guidance based on the sources below, checked13November2026. It is general information; confirm your own equipment, policy, access rights and circumstances.

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