My pet theory is that locksmiths are the last vestige of the 18th century moral economy, but without all the paternalism crap. They could charge the earth for emergency entry stuff, given people's situations, but in general they don't. We can build a new moral economy, if we listen to locksmiths
They charge two hundred quid! They're doing the Heathrow Express thing of being cheaper enough than a taxi (/new window/hotel) that they're the clear choice, but still making a marginal wage higher than anyone who doesn't have to wear a wig or a football kit
The last time I used one I was disappointed by the lack of craft skills. I was expecting slight of hand lock picking, not drilling the cylinder out and then hitting it with a hammer.
Seems suspiciously Starmerite to me (John Timpson etc). Still, glad your lad got in safely.
I feel like the moral economy of a locksmith is that you immediately know full well that if you stiff them then they can get into your house anytime they choose.