What Happens When A Customer Can’t Show A Locksmith Proof of Address?

What Happens When A Customer Can’t Show A Locksmith Proof of Address?

If you’ve never needed a locksmith before, you might not be aware–if you’re locked out of your home and need a locksmith to let you in, we need proof of address.

That’s right. If you call our locksmith services in Melbourne, and we arrive at your property, we’re going to need some evidence that you live at or own the property. Otherwise, you can imagine the disastrous consequences that could happen. 

There are articles you can find online, where burglars have successfully broken into houses by using the services of a professional locksmith.

We’re here to confirm–that won’t happen with us. There is a Code of Practice that we, and other locksmiths must follow, within Australia.

“Locksmiths performing a gain entry service in the case of lockouts of premises or vehicle, must obtain positive identification of the person requesting entry and be certain of that person’s authority to enter the premises.” (source)

We usually require an ID with a photo, such as a driver’s licence. Depending on the locksmith, they may also take a photo of you and/or require you to sign a contract for the unlocking.

But we can appreciate that not everyone is locked out of their homes, businesses or cars with their IDs on them–it happens. 

So, what do we do then?

What we do if a customer does not have an ID

The good news is that we can still help you access your home or car. With your home, it’s very likely you have some form of documentation or ID inside proving your identity or claim to access the property. 

For residential properties

Once inside, our locksmith will remain outside the property, giving you chance to access the documentation. If we do not receive ID/documentation within an appropriate amount of time (say, 5 minutes), we will contact the police. 

We may also accept verification via a neighbour, landlord, or real estate agent.

For businesses

It’s unusual for a business to have zero documentation within the property confirming your right of access. Our process will be similar to a residential one. We will allow you to find the documentation, and without it, we will relock the property and/or call the police. 

For cars

If you’re locked out of your car, we don’t ask for documentation confirming you own the car, but we do request your ID, such as a driver’s licence. There may be cases where you don’t legally own the car–such as borrowing it. We may take a photo of your ID and ask you to sign documentation confirming things like the make, model and colour of the car.

If you don’t have any ID on you, and we have unlocked the car on your word that there is an ID in the car, we may relock the vehicle and call the police. 

Bottom line: for cars, we need an ID either before or after the car is opened. 

If you’re locked out of your home or business contact our Melbourne locksmith, who can help!