Managing security across several premises or in areas considered high risk is never straightforward. Multi-site organisations must coordinate consistent procedures at different locations, while businesses with higher-value assets often need reassurance that their properties are always opened and closed correctly. Copeland’s Lock and Unlock service provides a professional solution by combining keyholding with the presence of trained security officers.

What is lock and unlock?

Lock and unlock is more than handing over keys. It is a structured service where Copeland securely stores client keys in line with British Standards and dispatches trained officers to open or close sites at agreed times. This ensures alarms are set, doors and windows are checked, and staff can arrive or leave with confidence.

The service blends keyholding — secure custody and professional deployment of keys — with manned guarding, providing a visible deterrent and human presence during the most vulnerable times of the business day.

Why it matters for multi-site and high-value or high-risk businesses

For organisations managing multiple premises, such as:

• Retail chains with branches across different towns

• Healthcare providers with clinics, care homes or surgeries

• Transport and logistics companies with depots and warehouses

• Offices with several regional hubs

… consistency is essential. Each location needs the same level of opening and closing security to protect staff, satisfy insurers, and keep operations running smoothly. Lock and unlock allows businesses to centralise responsibility with one accredited provider rather than relying on different staff at each site.

High-value and high-risk businesses face additional pressures. These might include:

• Sites storing valuable stock, equipment or data

• Retail units with cash handling or high-demand goods

• Sensitive facilities such as memorial grounds or places of worship

• Locations vulnerable to trespass, antisocial behaviour or vandalism

In these situations, a trained officer attending at opening and closing times adds reassurance and a visible deterrent. It may reduce the likelihood of opportunistic crime and helps protect staff from being alone during the most exposed moments of the day.

A case study: Mayfields Woodland Burial Ground

One example of how lock and unlock works in practice is at Mayfields Woodland Burial Ground, a sensitive site that required reliable security without compromising its peaceful environment.

Before using Copeland, the grounds were vulnerable to antisocial behaviour and lacked proper lock-up procedures. By introducing professional lock and unlock support, keys were held securely off site, officers ensured the grounds were opened and closed respectfully and consistently, and the presence of security staff offered both reassurance and deterrence.

The Mayfields case study highlights how this service can be adapted to sensitive or high-value settings while still delivering professional standards and community respect.

Blending with other Copeland services

Lock and unlock is most effective when paired with other professional security solutions. Copeland also provides:

• Manned guarding for on-site protection

• Mobile patrols for flexible coverage across larger areas

• Alarm response to handle alerts quickly and professionally

• Mobile CCTV towers for rapid deployment and 24/7 monitoring

• Event security for gatherings of any scale

By combining services, businesses can tailor protection to meet the unique needs of multiple sites or high-value environments.

Strengthen security across your sites today

Multi-site management and high-value or high-risk locations need consistent, professional protection. Copeland’s l blends secure keyholding with a trained officer presence, ensuring that your premises are opened and closed correctly every time.

Read our Mayfields case study to see how this service works in practice, then contact Copeland Group Services to discuss a tailored solution for your business.

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Interested in learning more about business security? Explore our related posts below for further guidance.