After the burglary of friends' house, we had to call a locksmith. He was extremely helpful, and speaks good English.
His name is Ahmed and his phone: 651.561.376.

According his business card, he also does painting, assembling furniture, pergolas, lamps, mosquito nets, awnings, repairs and renovations of masonry, plaster, drywall, plumbing, electrical, etc ...

Highly recommended!

This is the business card of an excellent photographer, he speaks fluently English.

JACK OF ALL TRADES,EH .....................................???

I changed a light bulb today,Now i am a Electrician...

what is the point of the previous 2 posts ? have you had a bad experience with the person recommended or are you just trying to be funny on what could be a very useful thread ?

No I am not trying to be funny,I just find it strange that a member recomends somone as a locksmith when there not,and no I have had no bad experience with Ahmed I happen to know him quite well...

We used a registered locksmith from Lepe who provided security locks which cannot be copied without a security code which was provided on a seperate card. There have been a number of burgalries using keys on CE, especially in the early days when the buiders carried duplicate keys, and we changed our locks and fitted new tower bolts on all the other doors and high padlocks on the roller shutters. I know you cannot prevent a determined burglar, even if you create a pseudo prison barricade with security bars - but make it difficult and they will seek a softer target.

I have recommended Ahmed because he did provide a good service.If myself was a professional, I would have not needed anyone!...

I am sure that Ahmed is wonderfully professional in all he does, judging by the recommendations, but is he a registered locksmith?

Im sure you would agree providing a good service ( Which he does with a smile ) Doesnt make him a locksmith..
I spoke with Ahmed this morning and he doesnt recall giving any one permission to put his number on EXPATS..
You would'nt have done it without asking would you...
Good job the MOD'S are still on Holiday..

Not sure who this question is aimed at Mike .But the answer is NO....
Over to you LM.............

I did tell him I would do and he did agree...

Hi Mike

I agree that when security is involved getting those locks that are registered with a card is the best way. Or do it yourself... its not that hard to change the barrel and only you will have the keys ... just get the right sized barrel/cylinder and its a couple of minute job.

However I was wondering about the shutter locks, could you describe them please and did you install them yourself?

We've put security on all our shutters here, so they cant be jimmied up, and changed the locks - but I am interested in the product you used, please.

Thanks
Jon

However

I'm afraid it was a bit crude - but effective. I drilled into the tile sill, with expander bolts for strength, and fitted a hasp & staple. Then I have used toughened steel padlocks to secure them. I also fitted additional tower bolts to the casement doors so that they cannot be opened through the louvres or lifted off the hinges.