Theft!

It has been reported in some states of groups of individuals trying to recruit, unwillingly, a locksmith into aiding them in the theft of vehicles. The way this works is a group a people will call a locksmith requesting service for a vehicle lock out. This is usually done in areas of high traffic and large numbers of cars and trucks so as to not seem out of the ordinary, like urban parts of cities with outdoor public parking garages and parking lots of various establishments.

After arriving at the scene the locksmith is told that the keys were misplaced, either left at a different location or lost after a night out on the town and asked to help them gain entry. The would be car thieves then ask the locksmith to make a key, any style befitting the vehicle and drive off in ease as if all is normal, when of course it is not.

In most cases an automotive locksmith will ask not only for identification and proof that the car is actually theirs, to comply with laws, but they should pay strict attention to the demeanor and attitude of those they are opening vehicles for. When those attempting to perpetrate a crime such as this become restless and lacking certain answers, struggling for response and seeming a little more nervous than the situation requires it is best to not tip them off to the fact that you are aware something might be wrong. Conveniently excuse yourself to go to your truck or work vehicle to retrieve additional tools and while there quietly and discreetly place a phone call to the police, giving them quick but accurate details and location.

While waiting for police to arrive the locksmith, pretending to work, should involve the fake car owners in small talk such as asking these would be car thieves random questions about the vehicle, knowing full and well that it is not their automobile, but keeping the assailants at the scene to be questioned and perhaps caught and prosecuted by local law enforcement. The information gathered in these vocal exchanges will help the police in accessing the situation and will make for important on the scene facts for the police report if arrests are made.

Of course a locksmith must always be aware and concerned for his or her safety in all situations and this is certainly one of those times, but always stay aware and be attentive for any less than normal and out of the ordinary circumstances such as this. The safety of not only the locksmith, but the customer is always number one.

Even though vehicle lockout is a nerve inducing, often scary situation for the locksmith customer it is best to make certain that the job you're performing is for the true owner of the vehicle and the simple steps above will help in any foul play. No matter if a mistake is made, it is better to err on the side of caution than to not.