[size=85:3yywv7hb]Sofia echo 19 May 2010

Bulgarian householders urged to beware of fake locksmiths

The union of locksmiths in Bulgaria is demanding urgent security measures to protect honest and legitimate businesses, and also protect customers from thieves and organised criminals, the private Bulgarian channel bTV reported on May 19 2010.

In most apartment blocks in Sofia, mailboxes are being systematically flooded with advertisements and fliers advertising "
emergency situations locksmiths on call 24/7"
. At first glimpse it could sound reassuring, since, should the case arise, one may always seek assistance regardless of the day or time.

Legitimate representatives, however, have revealed a subsequent, more sinister development. Several days after the fliers have been distributed, people would suddenly find their locks were jammed, filled with grit or silicone. Presumably, they would then call none other than the "
firm"
which is openly advertised in the building.

"
Many of them pass information onto criminal groups. They would come to fix your door, then look around the house under some pretext, and then you end up getting robbed down the road,"
Andrei Sapoundjiev from the national locksmith union told bTV.

They demand that police establish a database for all locksmiths, and that every such business is registered with the authorities in order for there to be effective control.

"
In Greece, all locksmiths must receive official certificates from the police. The person must prove that he has no criminal record and never had trouble with the authorities, and finally, that he had experience in the profession and that he was previously employed as such and has the relevant reference letters,"
Sapoundjiev said.