All posts by Gareth Jones

Hiring trustworthy locksmith

Hiring a Trustworthy Locksmith

Home Security, , , ,

Finding yourself locked out of your home or vehicle is a frustrating experience, not least because your very means of contacting help may also be behind a locked door. And, as has seen much recent news coverage, there will always be unscrupulous locksmiths that are ready and willing to take advantage of your predicament.

While the Trading Standards Institute and similar bodies are warning consumers to beware of such untrustworthy locksmiths, it is easy to appreciate how one might find themselves in desperate situation and turn to the closest locksmith at hand. Deceitful tradesmen will often advertise on legitimate business directories and yellow pages, and often provide multiple false addresses and phone numbers to look like they are a local locksmith, making it even more difficult to know that you are hiring the services of a trustworthy professional.

The dangers of hiring such a deceptive tradesman include being handed an invoice which charges far beyond the “low rates” initially advertised and, in the most severe cases, discovering that the seemingly reliable service you’ve paid for is a front for burglars.

So, if you do happen to need a locksmith, here are a few tips to help prevent yourself from being exploited by an untrustworthy tradesman:

Take a close look at their website or advertisement. Does it look professional? A genuine locksmith company should have a site that looks as though it is here to stay, and has been designed with its customers in mind. A genuine tradesman is also likely to flaunt their credentials, provide images of themselves and as much information about themselves as possible. Avoid faceless companies which use names such as “locksmith service” or “local locksmiths” as they are more likely unscrupulous. You also might want to use a local business directory.

Look for branding. A legitimate locksmith will likely drive a van which advertises their business, as they will naturally want to spread the word regarding their business. Why would they want to keep their services secret? That said, a locksmith called out on an out-of-hours emergency might use their own transport, so be sure to also ask for identification or some form of locksmith certification or locksmith licence (this will vary depending on region and training background). A legitimate locksmith will be more than happy to put their customer’s mind at ease with either an ID badge, or professional correspondence such as business cards or branded invoice sheets.

Most importantly, always get an estimate first. Never sign a blank invoice, and demand that your locksmith discloses any additional fees before you agree to them doing the work. Demand an invoice before the work is carried out. If you call a locksmith and they arrive quoting a different price than was agreed over the phone, do not allow them to carry out the work.

Pay using a credit card. Most credit cards have protection against fraud, and provide you more security and peace of mind than a debit card.

honey bees

Are Bees Protected by UK Law?

Pest Control, , , , ,

Given the frequency of news stories reporting on the UK’s declining honey bee and bumblebee numbers, many Brits are under the impression that the bee is protected by British law. But they are mistaken.

Bees are so vital to our nation’s biodiversity and their role as pollinators that many are calling for them to be offered the same refuge granted to protected species under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA).

However, while bees aren’t protected, pest controllers can be fined for reckless use of pesticides, as poisoning a honey bee colony does carry a legal responsibility – poisoned bees might access and poison other stores of honey and honeycomb. As it is recognised that the honey bee’s numbers are in decline, many pest control companies work with local beekeepers to contain and relocate troublesome swarms rather than irradiate them.

So if you have a worrying number of bees surrounding your property, it is recommended that you do a bit of research and contact a pest controller that will treat the problem in an efficient but responsible manner.

Also, do remember that bees are an integral part of the British countryside, and consider whether or not the bees are an immediate threat to you and your family. Unlike the more aggressive wasp, a bee’s sting will prove fatal to the bee, and is therefore a measure that bees will only resort to if their nest is at risk.