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Lockers are an incredibly useful tool, and can suit a wide variety of environments – but depending on what locking system you have in place, the security can be affected. With people entrusting their personal belongings to lockers for secure storage, it is essential that security is considered at every turn.
No matter if you’re at the gym or at work, lockers provide a secure storage solution for personal belongings when you need your hands free. But just how secure are they?
West Midlands Police reported 394 thefts from gyms, leisure centres and sports clubs between 2020 and 2023, with 115 of these incidents being reported in 2023 alone. So the question becomes – is a locker door enough to have in place between your items and potential thieves?
The answer is both yes and no – a locker door can conceal the belongings within and can be constructed from heavy duty materials, but the hard work in terms of security is done by the locks. The only certain thing is that having lockers is far more beneficial for security than not having them.
With locks being the main deterrent for potential thieves, and options ranging from cam locks and latch locks to electronic locks with a key code, which have the best security benefits?
There are lots of locks on the market, and all have slightly different security features.
Typically, we wouldn’t recommend a latch lock to be used as a secure lock on a locker. A latch lock doesn’t actually have anything to secure it. A latch lock is usually operated by a thumb turn motion or a knob, but they can be operated by anyone so are generally considered an insecure option.
A hasp lock supports the use of a padlock on a locker. Generally, a locker user will have to bring their own padlock with them and use it to secure their belongings. However, although more secure than a latch lock, they are also not the most secure lock available, with studies showing that it takes thieves less than 30 seconds to cut through a padlock
Slightly more secure than a hasp lock, a cam lock is operated with a standard key. This simple locking mechanism allows the user to lock away their items and keep the key on them to ensure that their possessions are secured.
A coin locker works very similarly to a cam lock, but requires a user to pay for use of the locker. This works as a method for securing locker keys from theft in places such as gyms or leisure centres. The coin is used to release the keys for use in the locker locks.
A combination lock is a reprogrammable lock that allows users to lock their items securely in a locker and release the door using a specific code. These combination locks provide a reliable and cost effective solution for locker security.
Offering more than a traditional lock, an electronic combination lock is a convenient alternative and one of the most secure locking mechanism available for most users. They offer advanced security features, such as key override and programmable access control which can prove useful for the people who may also need to be able to access the lockers. They are suitable for a wide range of environments, including offices, schools and hospitals.
Lockers can be equipped with advanced security features, including anti-pick pins which make it harder for potential thieves to access lockers. Keyless entry also provides a convenient and secure way to access lockers without the need for keys.
Although locks are designed to prevent wear and tear and to reduce the need for replacement and maintenance, it is still crucial that regular inspections are carried out. Make sure to consider the environment in which the locker is used, including factors such as dirt, bacteria and moisture which can contribute to wear and tear. As locks age, sometimes they can require maintenance – a stiff lock may not be locked as carefully as one that is new – however, this can be easily fixed to ensure the locker remains as secure as possible.
Some lockers have advanced technology, such as USB charging capabilities for laptops or mobile phones – it is important that if a locker is designed to secure high value items such as laptops or phones that they are secure enough to deter any theft.
Lockers can be manufactured to a full range of requirements, including specific sizes or finishes to make sure that your unique needs are catered for.
If you’re in need of a secure locker solution – get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to provide expert recommendations.
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