Depository Safes: Types and Tips when Buying a Depository Safe
Safes are an essential part of protecting valuables, and businesses that have cash on the premises every day should purchase a depository safe to keep their cash, credit card slips, checks and other important valuables safe from thieves and unscrupulous employees. If the office door is open and the accountant happens to take a restroom break, is the cash safe? With a depository safe, business owners can have the peace of mind knowing that their cash and other valuables are protected, whether they are on the premises or not.
Drop Slots
One of the defining characteristics of a depository safe is the open slot in the safe. This allows employees to drop cash and other important items into the safe without needing to have full access to opening the safe’s door. Depository safes can also be configured with interior sections that have additional locking compartments. This allows management to restrict access to certain contents of the safe for different employees. Typically, the drop slots of depository safes also have what is known as “anti-fish” teeth inside the drop slot. These resemble rows of shark teeth, and prevent thieves from fishing cash out of the drop opening of the safe with a screwdriver, coat hanger or similar item.
Configurations of Depository Safes
Depository safes are available in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various business office setups and increase ease of use. Size is the first characteristic to consider, especially if several cash drawers need to fit inside of the safe. The smallest safes are lightweight units that can bolt easily underneath a counter. The type of drop is the next consideration. Depository safes with front-loading drops are the most popular, but the safes are also available with a top rotary drop or rear-loading drop. Depository safes can also be fitted with a custom deposit chute that can extend through a wall to allow cash to be dropped in by customers, such as payment drops.
Saving Money On Insurance
Depository safes make sense for any business that keeps large amounts of cash on hand. Some business Insurance policies are willing to provide discounted rates for companies that use a depository safe to keep cash protected during the course of daily business.
Secure Locks
The type of lock is another point to consider for a depository safe, depending upon the level of security the company needs and the number of people needing access to the safe. Depository safes can be fitted with combination locks, electronic keypad locks or dual-key locks. Each type of lock has its advantages and disadvantages. The combination lock is reliable and secure, but the combination must be reset by the safe’s manufacturer if the lock combination is lost or becomes known by un-approved parties. Electronic keypad locks provide quick access and can be re-programmed on the premises if the code needs to be changed, although this could make it easy for too many people to get their hands on the code. Dual-key locks provide an enhanced level of security. A dual-lock safe comes with manager keys and a guard key. The business managers get the manager keys, and the guard key is given to the security company that performs that daily cash pickups. When the security company arrives day to pick up cash, the guard must first insert his key into the safe’s guard lock. The manager then inserts his key into the second lock, and the safe is then opened. The safe must be closed using exactly the same procedure. If any cash is missing from the safe, this helps track down when the theft took place.
Fire Safety not Guaranteed
Because depository safes have an opening in the front for dropping in cash, these safes are not fireproof. They are built mainly for theft protection.
Improved Theft Control
Look for depository safes that come with pre-drilled holes in the bottom, so that they can be securely bolted to the floor of the premises. Anchoring the safe to the floor is highly recommended, because depository safes are usually much lighter than other types of safes, and are easy for thieves to carry off if not secured. Good cash management also dictates making nightly bank deposits so that large sums of cash never stay in the safe overnight.
Investing in a depository safe provides an important measure of protection for retail and wholesale businesses that manage cash receipts every day. Every business has its own unique needs, and the insights above can shed light on the most important features to look for when making a purchase decision. With a secure depository safe, owners and management can spend more time with customers and less time managing money.
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Call us at (817) 581-8992 or (972) 498-1026 and get a quote.
Michael’s Keys is a Fort Worth / Dallas full service Locksmith that carries a wide selection of wall safes at very reasonable prices. We carry many brands but find that the most cost effective and secure depository safes are made by AMSEC.
