What is your protocol for auto lockouts?

[d_Random]

I was wondering what you do for auto lockouts regarding proof of ownership of the vehicle?

[UnlockD]

Generally I ask if they have proof of ownership handy while talking to them on the phone. And then after arriving and unlocking the vehicle (if the ownership is in the car, as it usually is) I ask to see it.

[brandonlee79]

Generally I ask if they have proof of ownership handy while talking to them on the phone. And then after arriving and unlocking the vehicle (if the ownership is in the car, as it usually is) I ask to see it.

What if they don't have any proof or they don't want to show you after you have opened the vehicle. What would you do then. Would you drop it or call the authorities. I'm just curious. Thank you

[reverendus]

If they don't have proof, you don't open it. If they refuse to show you proof after you open it, you throw the keys back in the car and lock it again.

[skeleton_keys]

Agree ^. I'd explain to customers before I touched anything - I'm going to hold your keys while you get the proof. If you can't produce it, I'll lock your car again. If you try to stop me relocking it, I'll call the police. Most people you could see on their faces it hadn't even occurred to them to try being dishonest, and all my precautions came as a surprise.

[bjornnrojb]

Also make a show of writing down their driver's license, the plate number of the car, and have them sign a disclaimer. If they act shady, tell them you are waiting for the police to arrive to keep it legal. Then turn around to look at the car*. If they disappear while your back is turned, you saved yourself some legal trouble.

*Don't do this if you are in a shady area. Keep your eye on the customer and be aware of your surroundings. Locksmiths have been mugged before. One guy down south got hit on the head and when he came to, his whole van containing all his tools was gone.

[alockguru]

One guy down south got hit on the head and when he came to, his whole van containing all his tools was gone.

Talk about a nightmare coming true! Really reminds me to make a list of all my tools and inventory for insurance purposes in case something like that ever happens.

[C locked]

i'm sure i'm talking to the converted. But it is a good idea for Every professional.
And with digital cameras so available also easy to do. Just point and click. Get snap happy. multiple pictures of each tool. An overview. Any unique features. ...just document everything. ...also receipts for cost.(if purchased)
...your insurance premiums for the contents of the van will be lower if you can accurately state exactly what was in there and prove it. ...also helpful if it does get stolen. Either as proof. Or as your reconstruct/shopping list.

just my 2 sense worth.

[billdeserthills]

In Arizona the law is simple & almost unknown by any locksmiths here.
Simply document the driver's license, then when the police come looking, you can refer them to the Real criminal. Also I find auto lockouts sometimes bounce a check so having their driver license info is valuable then as well for making out the claim form for the Bad Check Enforcement people here

[hjlocks]

I get kinda fancy.

The first thing I do when I show up for a lockout is hand them a clip-board with a proof of ownership form. Name, address, phone number at the top. Building or vehicle information below. I always ask to see the registration and their license for vehicles, but I've used other things depend on the situation. Then I have them sign and date a waiver at the bottom authorizing me to unlock the vehicle/house/ect.

A. It covers that I did my best to validate ownership if a legal matter should arise.
B. It's handy to have the customers information if a check bounces.

[billdeserthills]

One guy down south got hit on the head and when he came to, his whole van containing all his tools was gone.

Talk about a nightmare coming true! Really reminds me to make a list of all my tools and inventory for insurance purposes in case something like that ever happens.

Just take a look through the new tool catalog,
And one of these and one of those, etc...

[glenaw]

The Standard protocol for a lockout ( United States, California ) is to fill out a form that the State of California provides. The form covers VIN # and the standard things such as drivers license number, Authorization statement. As long as you have covered those bases your fine with the law.