Trading standards have noticed a spike in criminal “rogue emergency locksmiths” costing residents up to £3,000.

A message, shared by Herts Police on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards yesterday afternoon (August 12), said that it has noticed an increase in complaints about the practice.

It warned that locksmiths appearing on search engines may not always be what they seem, as criminals can prey on people at a vulnerable moment by paying for their adverts to be seen first and offering seemingly low prices.

“The cheap price comes at the price of the lock being drilled,” the message warned. “These emergency lock smiths don’t have the skill to open the lock by using non-destructive methods.

“The price dramatically increases for a new lock to be supplied and fitted. Complainants have been regularly charged over £500 and in the worst case as much as £3,000.”

Trading standards said: “The rogue locksmith always brings a mobile payment device with them and people feel intimidated into paying, always well over the initial quote, for 10 minutes work and a substandard lock.

“In some cases, damage to property has also been caused, due to a lack of skill or training to do the work.”

Residents who have been locked out have been urged to only use a Which? vetted trader by calling 01707 292429 or visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/goodtrader, or a Master Locksmiths Association registered trader by calling 01327 262 255 or visiting www.locksmiths.co.uk.