Clamp Down Coming for Locksmiths?

Hillsborough Commission Chairman Ken Hagan says it’s time for the county to clamp down on locksmiths that use deceptive practices and conduct bait-and-switch price quoting to bilk customers out of money.

Hagan’s fellow board members agreed unanimously with his request for the county to begin looking into local legislation that would require licensing for locksmiths that operate in Hillsborough and also criminal background checks for employees.

Hagan’s quest to have the county consider such local legislation began when a piece of mail arrived at his home, he told commissioners during the board’s April 17 meeting. The mail was addressed to “Clark Locksmith.”

What Hagan thought was the mistaken arrival of a single piece of mail turned out to be a steady stream.

After speaking with county staff about the mail coming to his home for a business he didn’t own and knew nothing about, Hagan was informed that locksmiths in some parts of the state set up “dummy” addresses to make customers think they’re local. While they might have local technicians that can respond to calls, their offices might be in Miami or elsewhere.

What’s even worse, Hagan said, many of these so-called local companies advertise one price on their websites and then charge people much more after work is completed.

“(They are) preying on people that are desperate to access their home or vehicle,” Hagan said. “They’re quoted a nominal price over the one and once the technician shows up, the price typically doubles, triples, quadruples or more.”

Public Safety Also a Concern

While Hillsborough County has its share of reputable locksmiths that do operate locally, Hagan said some of the establishments that “set up dummy companies” within the county and just have technicians working the area have people on the payroll that might pose a threat to the public.

Hagan referred to a recent television news investigation that uncovered one technician in the area had been arrested on rape charges in New Jersey and later plead guilty to criminal sexual contact.

Kevin Jackson, the chief investigator with the county’s consumer protection agency, said there are three primary reasons why it makes sense to consider local regulation of the locksmith industry and background checks:

• The false advertising issue
• The bait-and-switch pricing tactics
• The “element of criminal background checks” on people that come into contact with customers at their homes, in parking lots and other places when they are in a potentially vulnerable position posed by being locked out.

What’s Next?

Commissioners unanimously agreed Wednesday to have staff look into the potential of creating local regulations. To start off, staff members are going to research what other counties in the state have on their books. There are no state regulations requiring locksmiths obtain licensing.

Staff is also expected to discuss the topic with the Florida West Coast Locksmith Association.

A report should be filed with the commission within the next 45 days spelling out the next steps.

Have you ever had a run in with a disreputable locksmith in the Westchase area? Tell us about it by commenting below.

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