Had a good lockout in Lichfield today, apart from the rain! I had to go to an apartment in Lichfield for the second time in 6 months. At least this time it was in the morning, last time it was in the morning, but about 2 in the morning! As I say, it was raining, but I picked the lock in about 30 seconds. It was just a euro cylinder (like on a upvc door) and a rim cylinder (a "Yale" type lock). The customer used me because of our guarantee: "If we drill or damage your lock, we will replace it free of charge". His keys were inside aswell, so the locks didn't need replacing. It's normally a lot quicker to pick locks than drill them aswell. A lot of locksmiths say that locks can't be picked just so that they can charge you extra money for a new lock (and sometimes for the privilege of going to get you one aswell!). I'm sure you've seen them on the tv (Rogue Traders, Traders from Hell etc) and unfortunately this attitude is more common than you may think. That is why the ICL (Institute of Certified Locksmiths) was set up. To try and up the standards in the trade and bit by bit, start to get rid of the cowboys. It's always worth asking a locksmith on the phone if he's going to pick your lock or drill it, before he comes out though!