Shipping cargo containers are an excellent choice if you need a safe place to store personal effects or business-related items. Furniture, work tools, and archives are just a few items you can securely store inside one.
Whatever you are storing, you’ll want to keep it as secure as possible. While they are solid and safe, it is critical to take all necessary precautions to make yours as secure as possible. We’ve compiled our best tips for having secure sea container storage in this article.
Lock Box
Shipping containers are made of high-strength steel, which protects the items from the elements as they travel around the world’s oceans. While the material is strong, if the doors are not securely fastened, the contents may be vulnerable to robbers or vandals.
A basic padlock is a good start, but if left exposed to the elements, it will freeze and rust over time. In addition, if you padlock a storage container shut without using a Lock Box, the padlock is very easy to jimmy off with a crowbar or something similar. It would be best to use a shipping container Lock Box to increase the security of your padlocks.
A Lock Box is an anti-vandal system installed on your container’s cargo doors to enclose and protect your padlock. This ensures that your lock is only obtainable from the underside, preventing it from being forced off and preventing bolt cutters from getting near it.
Lock Boxes are increasingly becoming popular that they are now standard equipment on most new shipping containers. If you avail of a used shipping container, some service providers also install a Lock Box for you – just let them know of your preference.
Padlocks for Shipping Containers
Two types of padlocks are commonly available. Both of these are excellent options for securing your storage door. The CISA container padlock is the industry standard, while the Squire padlock, made in the United Kingdom, is another option.
CISA container padlocks are nickel-plated and made of solid steel. You know they are safe because they are anti-cut and drill resistant. Even the most determined thief will struggle hard to penetrate one. Many people regard these locks as the best choice for securing your container.
When you use it, you have the option to have one key for many padlocks. This setup is ideal if you manage many storage containers. However, you can also have individual keys for multiple locks if that works best. In addition, you may also get a master key option for self-storage yards.
Meanwhile, Squire padlocks have a CEN-4 insurance rating, which means high security. Manufactured in the United Kingdom, it is anti-cut and drill resistant. Use an insurance-rated padlock in conjunction with a Lock Box. Adding your sea storage container contents to any insurance policy that already covers that address or site will be more convenient.
Both are good, and you just need to decide which one you prefer.
Alarms for Shipping Container Security
A container with a properly fitted Lock Box will provide adequate security in most cases, but it cannot guarantee complete security.
When storing containers in a remote location or when an extremely determined burglar wants to open a container, you need an extra layer of security.
A good-quality alarm system is an excellent option to consider. One such option is the Mobeye i110 container alarm. It is a battery-powered GSM system with a keypad, motion sensor, and siren. This system is easy to install and will work in small, enclosed areas such as cargo containers.
Additional security precautions
The standard measures outlined above are more than adequate for the typical consumer to secure their container. It will put the contents of your shipping container beyond the reach of the average opportunist or vandal.
We also want to add more guidelines here so you can better protect your belongings.
It would be ideal to put more Lock Boxes on the doors in places where they will be difficult or awkward to attack. Even if someone comes tooled up with an angle grinder or something similar, your items will be safe.
You may also add additional distinct and separate locking systems to the doors, requiring any would-be thief to come prepared to overcome two different locking systems. This extra step may be necessary if you are storing your most prized possessions.
A hinge protection system allows the doors to drop and jam while also holding them in place if someone comes to cut the hinges of a container.
There are definitely some more external factors to consider regarding safety and security.
A significant advantage of storage containers is their unassuming exterior. We would advise against any external adjustments that may draw unnecessary attention to your cargo storage or its contents. It would be better not to put logos or distinct branding as burglars may get an idea of what’s inside.
If you are able, avoid storing high-value items in remote locations where the contents may be vulnerable to thieves or vandals.
Installing security cameras to protect your cargo storage can also be a deterrent. While most service providers do not offer their own security systems, you may ask for their assistance on where to put your CCTV.
Installing motion sensor lighting is also an excellent health and safety precaution that can help with security. These self-contained motion-sensor devices are a great way to illuminate your container. External security lights can also be installed to deter unwanted night stalkers.
There are many options to consider in adding security to your storage container. Overall, keep in mind that they already provide extraordinarily safe and ample storage. These measures will only help improve this even more while giving you peace of mind.