How to minimise the risk of theft in locker rooms
Locker rooms are an essential part of any gym, leisure centre and school as well as many workplaces, giving visitors, students or staff somewhere to leave their belongings unattended. Unfortunately, you will probably find that theft is a common occurrence in any changing rooms on site. It is almost impossible to prevent this entirely, but there are various measures you can take to make your locker room as secure as possible for users and keep the risk of theft to a minimum.
Provide sufficient locker storage
While lockers are a common fixture of changing rooms in gyms and sports clubs, schools and workplaces sometimes neglect security for space or cost reasons. However, expecting people to leave their belongings hanging from hooks on changing room benches will make it easy for opportunist thieves. You should always have enough lockers for everyone using the locker room at any given time. Also, think about what type of lock would be most suitable for your establishment. Coin return locks are ideal for sports facilities as they encourage users to return the key. In schools, compartment lockers with padlock fittings are a good idea so that pupils can provide their own padlock and the lockers can be used by different students throughout the day.
Check the lockers for damage and corrosion on a regular basis
You should perform regular maintenance checks on the lockers to look for dents or damage, as this can compromise the security of the locker. You should also assess the hinges and latches. In wet area locker rooms, such as those with an adjacent shower area, metal lockers are liable to rust, which will weaken the steel and make it easier for thieves to break in. If you find your lockers are rusting, you may need to consider whether they should be moved to a less exposed location or whether you need to purchase new lockers.
Switch to plastic lockers
Plastic lockers are a much more heavy-duty choice than metal lockers. Made from tough polyethylene, they are almost impossible to dent or damage so that they cannot be broken into by force. Unlike metal, the plastic will not rust or corrode over time, meaning that that are just as sturdy after several years of use. Plastic lockers are recommended in particular for schools and community sports facilities, which often suffer wear and tear from heavier use than those in private businesses.
