Keynote idea to aid security

1:05pm Friday 19th January 2007

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LOCKSMITHS are joining forces in a bid to stop criminals setting up in their line of work and using the keys to burgle homes.

Steve Duncan, who runs a shop in Park Road, Darwen, is forming the Association of Accredited Locksmiths (AAL) with colleague Wayne Arkwright who runs a shop in north Lancashire.

They are launching the association after being concerned by how easy it was to set up as a locksmith after taking just a few short courses.

Mr Duncan and Mr Arkwright hope the association will reassure the public that they are dealing with a genuine locksmith.

To join the association, locksmiths will have to: l have a police disclosure report proving they have no previous convictions l show a copy of their current public liability insurance cover l provide two references from previous clients Mr Duncan, said: "The aim is to give potentially vulnerable members of the public peace of mind, because if they deal with a member of the Association of Accredited Locksmiths they are dealing with someone who is bona fide."

The 54-year-old father-of four-said the idea came about when he had trouble getting business with housing associations which have strict rules on safety.

He added: "I had to convince housing associations to let me go through their safety checks in order to work for them.

"And it made me realise that other people should have such a service.

"It's frightening that anyone can simply go on a locksmith course and set themselves up in business without going through any security checks.

"In short, you don't know who you are letting into your home or business.

"Anyone can attend a basic locksmith training course these days and there are no checks done, so anyone could take up the job, including criminals.

"In future if someone sees a locksmith is a member of the AAL they'll know they have been properly checked out - now there is no way of knowing."

The association will be launched on January 22 where locksmiths are invited to meet at Stax Tradecentre in Worsley, Manchester from 7pm.