If you plan to keep your tools, stock, or other personal property in a steel box, you need to answer one important question. Are shipping containers secure? The quick answer is yes. However, small decisions will make a big difference.
Why containers are hard to break into
Shipping containers are made of heavy steel. In fact, containers are designed to be carried by ships for weeks and to endure tough seas, heavy loads, and harsh weather. This durability helps protect the contents from theft because there is nothing to smash – no windows and no walls that can be kicked in. It will take many hours for a thief to cut the steel with heavy tools.
Moreover, shipping containers’ doors are made of thick steel and have locking bars. They run along the door’s height and are locked in the upper and lower frames.
The lock is the weak spot
But most burglaries take place at the lock, not at the metal. It takes only a couple of seconds to cut an inexpensive padlock using bolt cutters. So invest a little bit more in this aspect. Some effective solutions are:
- A lock box that protects the padlock from being cut by cutters
- A hardened steel padlock
- A disc lock with a thick short shackle
Location is important
Put your container in a visible location. Burglars dislike bright places with many visitors. Where possible, orient the doors facing the wall or other containers. This will make it impossible to grasp the doors. Motion detector light and video surveillance are also highly helpful in such cases. The surface should be smooth and level for the proper closing of the doors.
Does new or used matter?
A container in good shape is safer. Older boxes can have rust, dents or doors that do not close well. A used box is still a good pick if you are on a budget. Just check the doors and floor before you buy. Our range of shipping containers for sale includes new and used units in 10ft, 20ft and 40ft sizes.
Not ready to buy?
If you only need storage for a short time, try container hire. There is no lock-in contract, and you get the same strong steel and solid doors.
Extra options for more security
Some jobs need a bit more. Side opening containers have doors along the long side, which is great for easy access. Because the door area is bigger, ask us about the best lock setup. If you have tall items, 20ft high cube containers give you extra height. And if you want alarms, extra locks or a custom door, our container modifications team can sort that out for you.
Final thoughts
So, are cargo containers safe? Yes, they are some of the safest forms of storage available. Just get yourself a good lock, select the right spot, and begin with a decent container. And that is all you need to ensure that your equipment remains safe. Need assistance with choosing the right one? Just contact the Tigers on 1800 072 039.
