Mike Palmer FSyI, chairman of the safes body Eurosafe UK, writes:
A senior manager for a large commercial underwriter recently contacted Eurosafe UK, the new body representing British safe makers and distributors, seeking information on recent safe attacks. Interested in the comparison of the number attacks on domestic and commercial premises and the type of entry methods used, they were surprised to learn, that as far as they could ascertain, no one maintained a central register or compiled statistics of these events.
This is probably due to the fact that, until now, there has never been an experienced and relevant body able to compile a records on a nationwide basis. Consequently, the Chairman of Eurosafe UK has circulated a request for its members to record all the safe break ins they encounter, noting the type and age of the safe attacked, the methods and tools employed (including duress) and whether the attack was successful or abandoned.
A similar request has been sent to the insurance industry and it is hoped that in 12 months time there will be sufficient information to circulate statistics to relevant bodies.
Eurosafe UK extends an invitation to readers of Professional Security Magazine to also record and submit details of attacked safes they encounter, sending them to – [email protected]
To preserve confidence, no customer names or site details are required although it would be helpful to know the county in which the attack took place.
This information will assist safe makers, safe engineers and locksmiths, insurers and risk managers and with your readers’ cooperation, will become an important indicator of current crime trends.
