Thieves....How to stop them!

[Nik S.]

I just put in a new washer and dryer a few months ago for a 12 unit buidling and things were going great. Tenants were happy with the new machines & I was generating a little more laundry income!

Unfortunately, I just found out that someone has been stealing from my machines. They must have a key to the change compartments and are removing all the change. The machines don't show any evidence of tampering. My PM gave the keys to the older gentleman who lives right next to the laundry room and he will be collecting the change throughout the day, no set times. That solves the problem temporarily as he's always home and is now on the watch for suspicious activity. 

I don't like to rely in individual for things like this so it's my obligation to devise some sort of lock mechanism that covers the key hole of the change compartments. A separate lock mechanism that only I have access to (my PM). 

As you see below, the change compartment is located on the bottom of the whole coin mechanism. It is recessed in the mechanism. To remove the change, you simply insert the appropriate key, turn and pull out. I am thinking I need to "cover" that area with some locked metal but I am unsure as what to devise...

Any suggestions anyone? Has anyone gone through this? 

The picture of the older machine isn't mine however it is setup the exact same way as mine. How can I deter the thieves who have a key to my change compartment?

Thanks all!

[Arlen Chou]

@Nik S.This is petty robbery so who ever is doing this is not going to spend much time trying to get your money.  I would suggest just bolting or welding a hasp across the front of the key area and locking that with a pad lock.  With the hasp across the front they won't be able to get their key into the lock. This will deter them and hopefully they will just move on to easier pickings.  When you need to get in, just unlock the hasp, hing it open so you can insert your key and get your money.  Think of it as a chastity belt for your coin box.

A camera is great if you have the time to react. But unless you actually can tell who the person is in the video the cops will not do anything about this crime.

Good luck and let us know what works for you!

-Arlen