We caught up with this new locksmith Jim Eaton of Eaton Locksmiths Based in Moulton, Northwich. After working for the Police for 15 years, an unfortunate accident led Jim into resuming his locksmithing studies and starting his own business…
Tell us about you career before becoming a locksmith?
Before the Police, I was in the Army and left in 1995 and did a locksmithing course as part of the resettlement programme that trains Army leavers in trades ready for work in the outside world. I enjoyed the course, but unfortunately in the 90’s I was considered too old to be an apprentice at 25, so I worked part-time as a locksmith alongside being in the Police building my skills.
I worked for Greater Manchester Police for 10 years, before I transferred to Cheshire Constabulary for a further five years. Unfortunately, I had an accident which led me to having to change career; I enjoyed being a locksmith and had a strong desire to do it full-time. That is when I decided to pick-up from where I left off with my locksmith training and setup my own locksmithing company.
Does your previous career help with being a locksmith?
I worked with Public Protection Units dealing with vulnerable people, assessing their properties and buildings. This involved checking security on schools and homes, advising on how to increase security with high security cylinders, locks and CCTV etc, through the Secured by Design initiative (SBD).
SBD is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. It was very useful being a locksmith having experience of advocating SBD, and knowledge of crime prevention and accredited security products. I feel in fortunate position of being able to advise the right products, and being a former Police officer, I hope that people will appreciate my advice.
What do you like about being a locksmith?
I have always been ‘hands-on’ and good at fixing things; all my family were engineers and it’s similar to policing in a way that you are given a problem and need to find a way of fixing it. It also involves working with the public, of which I have plenty of experience. I have developed a wide range of communication skills, and I feel confident in engaging with people from all walks of life.
I’ve met so many wonderful people at the MLA training courses I’ve attended, whom I stay in-touch with and we like to share knowledge and problem solve together. I am a proud member of the MLA.
What services will you be offering?
From 3rd June 2024, Eaton Locksmiths’ official launch date, I will be offering domestic locksmithing, van locks, roller shutters installation and maintenance. I intend to take further MLA courses: access control and glass and aluminium doors, I will be attending the Qualified Master locksmiths training in June.
Which areas will you be covering?
I am based in Moulton, Northwich, so I will be covering Cheshire West and surrounding areas. I am very much looking forward to becoming a full-time locksmith. I will be focusing on providing the best service I can offer as an accredited MLA locksmith. I hate the stories I hear of people being ripped off by rogue locksmiths; I have a strong desire to ensure people get the job done at a fair price and improve their security in the process to prevent crime.
My website will launch at the end of June and my Facebook page at the beginning of June. I will change my LinkedIn profile to a locksmith and then I will be official; I look forward to my next chapter as a locksmith and will see how it goes.
Any other locksmiths wishing to connect with me please do so…
07948 796585