A network of locksmiths accused of using "bait-and-switch" tactics on customers throughout the state has been banned from doing business in North Carolina by a Wake County Superior Court judge.

A locksmith who ripped off dozens of desperate customers and was featured on the BBC's Rogue Traders programme was jailed for four years yesterday.

MARYLEBONE: A locksmith has been jailed for four years after taking advantage of residents by breaking down doors when they were locked out and massively overcharging for installing new locks.

SHELBY ? Get locked out of your car? Be careful who you call. The N.C. Attorney General?s Office announced this week that a locksmith company that offered services in Shelby faces heavy fines for operating illegally. ?Nobody likes to be...

An ArkLaTex mother says she accidentally locked her six-month-old daughter in the family's mini-van.  She called 911.  Dispatchers called a locksmith.  The fire department says the locksmith refused to respond to the call for help.

Ed Walters is trying to get the word out that his Raleigh Locksmith company was not involved in the network of locksmiths operating fraudulently in North Carolina.

A Superior Court judge on Tuesday fined a bogus locksmith operation more than $1.2 million and issued a permanent injunction to bar the operation from working in North Carolina.

A locksmith who was featured on the BBC's Rogue Traders programme was jailed for four years today.

SHELBY ? Reid Skinner has spent more than 30 years working as a locksmith in Cleveland County. And while he?s got a license to get the job done, there are some out there simply looking to scam customers. Earlier this week, the N.C. Attorney...

If you've had problems with the unlicensed locksmith companies 704 Locksmith or Locksmith Services Inc., please contact reporter Ely Portillo at 704-358-5041 or elyportillo@charlotteobserver.com.