Vehicle Key Security

INTRODUCTION

The safe keeping of vehicle keys during both working hours and overnight is an important consideration when conducting surveys of motor trade premises, for which a wide range of key cabinets are marketed of various designs.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Unfortunately, there are no recognised UK or International standards governing the construction and thief resistance of these products. (Note: Any reference to “key safes” or “security cabinets” within the LPCB Redbook and the Sold Secure Approved Products Catalogue relate either to external key boxes for the safekeeping of spare keys, or to domestic/hotel room safes which would be inappropriate for use as key cabinets in the motor trade).

As a consequence, whilst many key security cabinets on offer may assist with the management/control of vehicle keys and can provide some protection from opportunist theft during working hours, they provide little security protection to a determined attack. As a result, careful consideration is required when specifying such products and, on all occasions, the following standard risk improvement wording is to be employed:

“A heavy duty key security cabinet must be provided for the secure keeping of all vehicle keys out of working hours, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. As a minimum requirement, the cabinet should be constructed of a 3mm welded steel plate body with a 6mm sold steel door, secured by two solid locking bolts operated by a high security 8 lever lock or electronic safe lock. Firms that manufacture or supply such products include:

• Burton Safes Ltd – www.burtonsafes.co.uk

• Securikey Ltd – www.securikey.co.uk”

Typical heavy duty key security cabinets

Except where governed by specific Client Service Instructions, as a general guide all keys for vehicles with an individual insured/market value of £30,000 and up to and including £50,000 are to be contained out of working hours in a heavy duty key security cabinet as specified above; the keys to which are to be removed from the premises out of working hours.

Where dealing with vehicles with an individual value >£50,000, keys should be contained out of working hours in a recognised Security Safe having a minimum cash rating equivalent to a European Grade 0 safe, anchored to the building structure in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.  Consideration should be given to higher graded safes as individual vehicle values increase.