Adel Abdulrahman

Okaz/Saudi Gazette



JEDDAH — A moment of carelessness by a locksmith can lead to violations of the Kingdom’s regulations regarding door locks and duplicate keys.



Locksmiths use simple technology to open a lock when a key is lost or to make a duplicate key that can be used when necessary. Among the important controls that have been laid down by the security authorities is that a key cannot be copied unless the owner presents an identity card and signature.



Jaafar has worked as a locksmith in the Kingdom for over eight years. He makes duplicate keys, sells and repairs locks. He, however, refuses to open locked car or apartment doors unless customers prove their identity even though he is flooded with such requests on a daily basis.



“I only deal with a lock after confirming the identity of the tenant of the apartment or building and the purpose for dealing with the door lock. I follow the security instructions strictly to prevent possible thefts or other criminal activities,” he said.



“The first thing I ask customers to do is sign a register in which the client’s name and ID number is written. This remains as a document in case of a theft,” he added.



The Ministry of Interior stipulates regulations for locksmith shops. The concerned authorities have made it compulsory for police stations to take the fingerprints of locksmiths according to the security conditions. No locksmith shop should be opened except under supervision of the police station in the area.



Spokesman for Makkah Region Police Lt. Col. Atti Al-Qurashi stressed that there are strict controls on locksmiths’ shops.