Fire brigade keys were widely available to buy, which could lead to misuse and unauthorised entry. DES Locksmiths launched Golden Key Secure whereby a fire brigade has access while ensuring each housing provider retains its own key system.
Nicky Crossman at DES Locksmiths said: โThe starting point for Golden Key was a clear risk where fire brigade keys had become too widely available, leading to unauthorised access. We needed a system to maintain immediate access for emergency services, while introducing patented control. Golden Key with Mul-T-Lockโs MTL500 platform achieves this through a high security master key structure, where emergency services hold a specific access key and each housing provider retains its own dedicated system. This ensures access remains restricted, consistent and traceable over time.โ The MTL 500 mechanical platform supports key hierarchies and controlled duplication, according to the manufacturer. It allows master key systems to expand over time while working with existing infrastructure. Using a patented system, keys can only be duplicated through authorised channels, with record-keeping giving traceable access management. The Golden Key system has already seen 10,000 properties converted, mainly in social housing.
Fire services across London, Essex, Surrey and Oxfordshire carry the Golden Key, with further rollout planned across other regions. Collaboration with authorities including the Metropolitan Police has also helped establish coordinated, secure access solutions. Formal agreements with the London Fire Brigade are expected to be the first initiative of its kind in over 30 years.
Dan Dodds, Mul-T-Lock Regional Sales Manager adds: โThe Golden Key initiative shows how important it is to get key control right from the start. Itโs about having a clear, well thought-through approach from day one, rather than trying to fix things later. It demonstrates how Nicky and the team at DES have taken a real issue and turned it into a solution that genuinely works, not just on paper.ย And our MTL 500 solution sits behind this, helping to keep the system effective, whilst ensuring emergency services can get in when they need to. Itโs a simple, practical answer to a real problem.โ
