Today is a primer on how not to modify a safe for easier access. It showcases a recent safe that ApexAccess was call upon to open. My jaw dropped and I had to stop myself from saying anything about the safe’s condition. I was there to get the safe open and to do so quickly. The title might imply one could modify a safe for easier access and in some ways this is true. Just do not do it this way.
The Modified McGunn Safe
The safe has two doors. The top door section also has three drop trays/drawers
and is internally divided so that the contents inserted in any of the drawers drops into the divided section immediately below the drawer.
The blue plastic box contained some unused electronic components and wiring and was not a part of the problem. What did contribute to the problem was the duct tape used to prevent the use of the combination locks. The locks were in a opened state — combinations dialed in and the lock bolts retracted before the tape was applied. The lock bolts are an integral part of the door bolts. Combined, this makes the safe a secured container. Let’s take a look at the weak security link.
The Weak Security Link
The weakest link in this safe is the key operated timer lock. Duct taping the dial combination locks promoted the key lock to failure. The lock is not designed to secure the safe overnight, yet this is exactly how it was used. It seems simple enough and is certainly less difficult to operate compared to the standard dial combination lock. However, the key lock is not designed to withstand a kinetic burglary attack.
The key operated timer lock is supposed to be used only during business hours. It is simply a delay timer to prevent quick access. It adds a number of minutes required to open the safe over the time it takes to dial in the combination and retract the main door bolts. In other words, one first dials in the combination and retracts the door bolts using the rotating handle to the left of the dial. Then the key is inserted and turned to activate the timer. After the time delay has completed the key is turned further to retract a spring loaded latch bolt. The door is then pulled open to access the contents.
Closing and relocking the safe involves only closing the door and rotating the handle to throw the bolts before spinning the dial. It really only a few simple steps. But in this case, patience and diligence was not high on the priority list. Security is best implemented in layers.
Layered Security
Layered security is simply the use of multiple security protocols and systems. Layering increases the amount of time required to gain entry — both legitimate and illegitimate. Time is your friend and amplifies the risk of apprehension. All criminals conduct a risk assessment to determine the reward compared with the time needed to steal any item.
Think of layered security using the example of your house. The doors and windows have some sort of lock or locking mechanism attached to them. This layer number one.
Layer number two is the alarm system. It typically lies behind the mechanical locks. Motions sensors on exterior lights, vehicle sensors at the driveway, mounted cameras at the house corners, are a third layer of security.
Each layer determines the method used to secure the house while away. It also means there is a procedure you will use to gain access to your home upon arrival. Layered security equals increased access time and this equals insurance. In fact, your home and vehicle insurance is yet another layer of security.
All of this layered security was made null and void by using duct tape convenience. There is no point in using the safe in this condition. A desk drawer with a cash stuffed manila envelope is just as good.
Security Layer Failure
As noted this safe was “secured” by a single latch bolt lock that is not designed to lock down the safe. It only serves to delay access for a few minutes when used in conjunction with the rest of the lock system.
After looking at the safe and verifying the combination locks were actually in an
open state our attention turned to the key lock. It was a Medeco high security key lock. These cannot be picked (at least not easily). Drilling the lock is an option, however, there is a risk of further damaging the timer and latch bolt assembly.
After noting the door moved much farther than usual, we determined the key lock had not been installed properly. This extra movement is the next failure point and is exploitable. I walked back out to the service truck and retrieved the only tool needed. A pry bar.
Five minutes is all it took to open this safe after diagnosis. And that included the walking time to the truck to get the pry bar. Five minutes or less is all a criminal would have needed to walk with the thousands of dollars that were inside the safe.
Better Solution – Amsec Keypad Safe Lock
Duct tape might “solve” the end user’s perceived complexity problem of getting this safe open, but it destroyed the security of the safe. It is an example of how not to modify a safe for easier access. There is a better option: a professionally installed electronic keypad safe lock such as the AmSec ESL10 or ESL20.
The ESL20 provides options for a management code, an employee code, and a
delay timer of up to ninety-nine (99) minutes. When an employee leaves the company the code is changed in less than a minute. There is no need to call a locksmith for the combination change.
ApexAccess repaired this safe by removing the top door combination lock and key operated timer lock completely. We installed the AmSec ESL10 lock and modified the relock mechanism for proper operation. We checked and serviced the bolt-works as well by cleaning and re-lubing the internal moving parts. We ensured the door opened and closed smoothly and trained the business owner on how to change his own combinations. He also opted to just leave the lower door as is — with the duct tape and key lock. The lower compartment was only used to store certain office supplies and a spare cash drawer.