Steel containers are ideal for storing belongings at a secure location or for safely transporting goods. They also make great temporary offices and storage units on construction sites and for industrial purposes.
Containers are strong and built to withstand extreme weather conditions to keep their contents safe. However, they can be targets for thieves who want to get their hands on the valuables inside. So it’s crucial that you secure your steel container so only those who are permitted access can get inside. Here’s how you can further enhance your container’s security:
Padlocks
Padlocks are a simple way to enhance your shipping container’s security. Choose a heavy-duty padlock from a hardware shop with the thickest possible lock that can fit onto the container. When you leave your container at the end of the day, always ensure that the padlock is firmly locked before you leave.
Thieves will often carry bolt cutters, which is why locks with a thick and short neck are the best choice, as it is difficult for bolt cutters to get a good grip and cut through them. You can even get padlocks specifically designed for the container industry, which are rated at industry level for being cut-resistant.
Lock Boxes
Lock BoxesIf your container is storing something valuable, you can take the protection to the next level with a lockbox. A lockbox is a steel box attached to a shipping container that prevents padlocks from being damaged. They sit over the padlock and prevent people from picking the lock or cutting it off, making it much more difficult for thieves to break in.
Shipping containers may come with a lockbox, but if not, they can be purchased separately and attached with either bolts or be welded on.
Crossbar Locks
The best defence against thieves is to add several layers of security. So if a thief manages to get past your padlock, a crossbar lock adds another obstacle that prevents them from gaining access.
These locks attach to the container’s door on locking rods. You use a key to lock the mechanism and clamp it securely in place. These kinds of locks are resistant to bolt cutters and lock picks.
Inner Bolts
Just like your house, you can add a deadbolt lock to the inside of your shipping container with an inner bolt lock. These sit inside the door and make it impossible to remove from the outside.
When fitted to the inside of the shipping container door, it slides across the door to be locked from the inside. Their positioning makes it impossible for a thief to tamper with unless they have accessed the container from another door.
Window Bars
Window Bars Windows in shipping containers can be a great way to let in some natural light, making them ideal for containers used for offices or break rooms. But if your shipping container has windows, this could be a weak point in your security.
So, secure those windows from unwanted entry with security bars, preventing thieves from breaking through the windows to gain access. Burglar bars can be welded to the framed openings on containers to add this extra layer of security.
Alarm System
If your container is going to be used long-term, it can be beneficial to invest in an alarm system. There are different kinds of systems best suited to the location of your container. For containers in remote locations, alarm systems can send alerts directly to mobile phones, so you will instantly know if a thief has triggered it. Alarms can also include sophisticated features like motion detectors and CCTV.
Security Lights
Exterior lights attached to your container near the entrance can act as a deterrent to thieves. People trying to break into a container will need the shadows and darkness to stay hidden, so when you add security lighting around your container’s exterior, it makes it impossible for them to hide. Thieves will be scared off from being spotted, a cost-effective and straightforward way to help prevent theft.
Enhancing your steel container’s security is vital to protecting its contents and for your peace of mind. By installing additional protection, you can safeguard your container’s contents from thieves and ensure there are no unpleasant surprises.
At Flintham Cabins, we can provide you with steel containers in London. We have both used and new models, so there is something suitable for every budget. As a leading provider of storage containers, we can provide you with the best storage solution for your needs, whether you need safety, storage or security. Contact us today to learn more.
