PERSONALSAFETY
Working to help others protect people and their possessions from crime can mean putting themselves on the line…
LOCKSMITHING CAN BE A DANGEROUS BUSINESS
Locksmiths exist to help provide secu- rity to their many customers: but there are occasions upon which they them- selves are put at personal risk. In July this year, for example, a lock- smith in Essex was stabbed in the chest and suffered head injuries whilst carrying out essential lock-changing work during a bailiff repossession. He was injured and obviously very shocked, but he could eas- ily have lost his life, just because he was doing his job. Two men were subsequent- ly charged with GBH. Sadly, the severe economic situation is
resulting in more and more repossessions so there is a corresponding volume of this type of work for locksmiths. Such occa- sions are obviously unpleasant and stress- ful, and the risks cannot be too greatly emphasised. Any locksmith needs to be aware of the dangers and take whatever steps are possible to protect himself from possible harm. Tere is, after all, a big dif- ference between being bad-mouthed and shouted out – unpleasant though that is – and being physically attacked with poten- tially tragic results. Repossessions are not the only instanc- es in which locksmiths may run risks. Attending customers’ premises in some tower blocks, or in not so salubrious ar- eas a can be very hazardous. We encour- age locksmiths to use clearly-marked vehicles to help market their services but it is important to recognise that this can also invite unwanted attention from the yobbos out there - who would love to get their hands on tools and other equipment – and the van itself of course. Anyone car- rying such equipment will clearly be a tar- get for the criminal fraternity who sadly, seem increasingly likely to use violence.
Rioting During the terrible riots of August this
year, we saw shops of all kinds broken into, ransacked, torched and many thou- sands of pounds worth of goods stolen. Many vehicles were burned out on the street. Locksmiths were not immune as many have premises in city centres, and despite obvious security measures, some
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did suffer from the criminal damage caused by the rampaging mobs. Since then we have seen appalling riots and demonstrations across the world, and some commentators believe that the UK will see more of this during the coming winter. Te proposed reduction in police numbers will not have gone unnoticed by the rising number of criminals across the UK who are quick to take advantage of any situation that weakens the public’s pro- tection. We all feel more vulnerable than ever before which – ironically – means more work for locksmiths and other secu- rity businesses.
Check insurance details Having appropriate insurance in place is vital, and it is equally important to check over your cover thoroughly to en- sure that it is adequate for all your needs. Upgrade it if necessary . Being attacked and maybe hospitalised will mean you won’t be able to work, for example, so ensure you have insurance to cover such a calamity – especially important to sole traders. Having equipment and/or your vehicle stolen doesn’t bear thinking of but it can happen, so be prepared for any eventuality. Check all insurance carefully – your
premises, vehicles, personal cover, all li- ability and make sure you understand any exclusions.
Starting this month, we are
including some insurance advice in Te Locksmith Journal which we hope will be helpful. Finally, keep alert to danger wherever you are working: criminals are by no means confined to the rougher in- ner city areas – rural crime has been on the increase for years and you could be more likely to be at risk working in more isolated areas, especially in the dark win- ter period.
+Have you been the victim of an attack or any crime whilst doing your job? We’d like to hear from you about your experiences. Email to: pat@clearview-
uk.com or call 01226 321450.
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