Richmond locksmiths give tips on staying safe and secure
As a locksmith, what are some of the services you provide?
Barry Wilson: "We provide a full service for any type of lock. We do lockouts and safe work as well."
David Hockman: "I duplicate and make keys for cars or homes. I rekey locks and deadbolts; install hardware, window locks and garage remotes; and open safes."
John Lastrapes: "We are a full-service locksmith company. We also provide road side service to insurance companies and car clubs."
Who we talked to
Barry Wilson, owner
American Lock Key Co. Inc.
804-282-6060
americanlockandkey.com
David Hockman, owner
Key Kopy Safe & Lock Inc.
Mechanicsville
804-273-6650
keykopy.com
John Lastrapes, vice president of operations
Pop-A- Lock of Virginia
804-233-2449
popalock.com
What's the most common request you get from customers?
Wilson: "We're so diversified. I don't think I could put my finger on any one part of it."
Hockman: "Rekeying locks and making duplicate keys."
Lastrapes: "Car door unlocking."
What's the average fee for customers locked out of their house, their car or their safe?
Wilson: "The average fee for a house or car lockout would be $85. There's no average for a safe. It could be anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or $8,000."
Hockman: "$75."
Lastrapes: "A car would be $39 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. From 6 p.m. to midnight it's $49 and from midnight to 6 a.m. $64."
Before you start a job, do you require some type of identification?
Wilson: "Yes. We make sure they have ID that says they should be on that property."
Hockman: "Yes."
Lastrapes: "Yes. We don't provide service without ID. Period."
What happens if the customer's ID is locked up and they can't get to it?
Wilson: "We take their word for it and when they get in they have to show us some sort of ID."
Hockman: "After the car or residence is unlocked, they have to produce an ID. No job will be left unless a form of ID is viewed."
Lastrapes: "There is a disclosure on our invoice that says they have to provide ID at the end of the service. We are very, very strict about that. If they can't provide ID, we call the police."


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