This is a joint media release from WA Police Force and the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.
WA Police Force, in collaboration with the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd, is reminding home and business owners to only use licensed 'Security Installers', commonly referred to as Locksmiths, to ensure the best security is provided to their homes or businesses.
Only appropriately licensed Locksmiths have been subjected to robust security checks by WA Police Force, which includes ongoing monitoring of the licensee's status.
Investigations conducted by WA Police Force's Licensing Services officers identified a number of potentially unlicensed Locksmiths advertising via various online forums. A recent operation resulted in several charges being preferred against persons carrying out unlicensed locksmithing services.
Senior Sergeant Jason Banks, Officer in Charge of Licensing Services, said it is important that home and business owners remain vigilant and exercise care when trusting people to provide security services.
"Locksmiths, by the very nature of their work, are entrusted with access to property and assets and as such are subject to strict licensing regulations by WA Police Force.
"When protecting your home or business, take the time to ensure the person you are contracting to do the work is licensed, and thus vetted, and subject to ongoing going checks in respect to their suitability to remain a licensed Security Installer."
When engaging a Locksmith's services, WA Police Force and the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd suggest you do the following:
• If booking online ask the operator to confirm that the company holds an Agents Licence and the actual attending Locksmith holds a Security Installers licence in WA.
• Check the regularly updated list of licensed Agents and Security Installers on the WA Police Force website to confirm the Security Installer is listed - https://www.police.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Our-Agency/Police-Licensing-Services/Security/Current-licence-holders
• Request to sight the Locksmith's Security Installer's licence and their Security Agent's 'icence on their arrival.
Mr Matt Graham, WA Director of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd said using a licensed Locksmith not only gives you the peace of mind that the Locksmith can be trusted to secure your home or business, but also ensures you are using an appropriately qualified and experienced operator.
"To become a fully licensed Category 1 Security Installer, or Locksmith, in Western Australia the applicant must have completed a 4-year Locksmith apprenticeship, including 3 years of attending TAFE while working.
"In addition to having the right skills and experience, an applicant must go through a rigorous security vetting process with WA Police Force, which covers both historical and pending criminal charges or investigations.
"Whether it is keeping your family or your hard-earned assets safe – only trust a licensed Locksmith."
