How To Secure Your Shipping Container
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Updated: Monday 25 November 2024
Filed in: General
October 2024 - blog post 4 by Sally Shipp
Steel shipping containers are by nature incredibly tough and provide good security compared to other forms of storage space. When locked up they will prevent opportunist break-ins, but determined thieves with the right tools will still try and find away to prise it open. Read our tips to find out ways to prevent this.No matter what you are using your container for - storage or one of the multiple uses a converted container can lend itself to - it's essential make security a top priority. Even if it's empty inside, or its contents hold very little value, a prospective thief won't know this! They will be just as determined to get in to see what's inside. They may end up very disappointed to find just a few soggy cardboard boxes instead of thousands of pounds worth of luxury items, but you'll be left with the bill to foot for repairing damage caused to the container by the break-in. Even if you're lucky the doors aren't damaged, you'll still need to replace the padlock and lockbox. Prevention is better than cure, so make sure you've considered all our security points when buying a shipping container.
Essential shipping container security measures
Methods thieves use to break into shipping containers:
- Using brute force with a crow bar
- Cutting through the walls with power tools
- Using lock-picking tools and techniques
- Breaking the lock with bolt cutters
And how to combat them:
- Lock box This is an absolute must to protect the container padlock from being accessed. Made of hardened steel and with anti-pick mechanisms, it's fitted to the container to encase the padlock.
- Padlock It is essential to have the correct sized padlock for the lock box - it must fit snugly to prevent access other than to put the key in. A padlock that offers a high level of security suitable for shipping containers is essential.
- Cross bar locks Made from tubular steel, crossbar locks are extendable clamps attached to the container door. They can be fixed to the locking rods or the handles - easy to install and very resistant to lock picks and bolt cutters.
- Alarm system If you do have high value stuff in your container consider fitting an alarm system. Alarms can include motion detection, so it will go off even without someone getting inside the container. GSM alarms are designed specifically for shipping containers and allow for remote monitoring - it's no use your alarm going off if no one is around to hear it!
- Video surveillance If your container is placed on a site, on in your garden, that is already covered by CCTV, or then you're good to go. If not then a convenient and very visible method is to attach a CCTV pole to your container, with the camera on top. Big Brother is watching them!
- Container maintenance If your container is starting to deteriorate with cracks, holes and worn through seals caused by corrosion or knocks and scrapes, these can be used by thieves as an easy starting point to gain entry. Regular condition checks and carrying out necessary repairs not only extends the life of your container, but also the level of security.
- Container conversions - anti-vandal shuttered windows on conversions and security personnel doors On container conversions such as site office, garages and workshops, they'll be other potential entry points vulnerable to break-ins. Windows can be protected by using anti-vandal windows that feature steel lockable shutters. If a pedestrian door is included in the conversion it should be a steel door with a multi-point locking system.
Where to site your container for maximum security
To further reduce the risk of a container break-in, if it's an option, think about where to position your container. If some of the suggestions listed are feasible then take them!- Place in a well-lit area
- Avoid remote areas - ideally somewhere that can be seen from main roads
- Use private land where possible
- Chose a compound with a perimeter fence
- Check the container is in view of any security cameras
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