Camlock Systems, whose advanced locking systems are used for securing launderette equipment, says six London-based owners have contacted the company in a fortnight requesting replacement locks for machines that have been raided.
Launderettes are often seen as soft targets by “piggy bank robbers” – experienced thieves who steal small amounts of cash from machines. They obtain keys to the machines and instead of taking large sums that would instantly be missed, they go back regularly and take small amounts. They also use lock-picking tools that are easily available, sometimes via the internet.
Camlock has sold its high security Octagon system to the launderette owners affected by piggy bank thefts. The patented product is used in conjunction with a key registration system, which means no key blanks are available and duplicate keys can only be obtained from the manufacturer.
