Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
16th September 2026 Issue no. 819
Your industry news - first
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Help stop misleading locksmith search engine adverts
One of the most pressing issues the industry is currently facing is the rise of misleading emergency locksmith adverts, particularly those appearing at the top of search engine results.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has launched a UK Parliament petition calling for stronger action in this area.
We’re seeing increasing cases where people search for an emergency locksmith, click on adverts offering low call-out fees, and expect a local service — only to be charged significantly more once the locksmith arrives.
In some instances, replacement locks and cylinders are fitted that have not been independently tested, but are presented to customers as “high security”.
This is not just a consumer issue. It also impacts legitimate locksmith businesses by undermining trust, professional standards, and the reputation of the trade.
This is not just about MLA members — it affects the entire locksmith and security trade, and all legitimate businesses working to maintain professional standards.
What we're doing to help
The MLA has been actively working to highlight this growing problem. This has included:
• Gathering complaints data from consumers
• Securing media coverage, including recent BBC interviews
• Raising the issue with MPs and regulatory bodies
• Highlighting the impact on both consumers and legitimate locksmith businesses
As part of this work, we're calling for stronger governance of emergency trade advertising - particularly aimed at search engines.
How you can support
The petition calls for search engines and platforms to:
• Verify emergency trade advertisers before allowing paid adverts
• Only allow adverts from trusted, accountable providers
• Ban misleading “bait and switch” pricing
• Remove scam adverts quickly and stop repeat offenders
While locksmiths are heavily affected, similar issues exist across other emergency trades. The petition has therefore been written more broadly to reflect this as a wider consumer protection issue.
Please share with your network
Customers, colleagues, friends and family.
Your support will help raise awareness, strengthen the case for action, and protect both consumers and legitimate tradespeople.
Thank you for supporting this important issue.
Sign the petition here - takes less than a minute:
25th March 2026