Professional lock and unlock support lets businesses hand over responsibility for opening and closing premises to trained security officers. It combines keyholding (secure custody of keys) with a manned guarding presence to ensure the site is ready when staff arrive and fully secured when they leave. Copeland Group Services provides this service for companies seeking a reliable, compliant, and stress-free way to protect their property.

Why timing and proper locking matter

Opening and closing are the most vulnerable moments of the business day. An employee arriving first may have to unlock alone at unsociable hours, while someone locking up late at night may rush or forget critical steps.

If a keyholder is late, sick, or forgets keys, operations halt, staff wait outside, and productivity drops. At closing, a rushed lock-up may leave alarms unset or doors unsecured, creating an easy target. Professional lock and unlock support prevents these risks by placing the responsibility in trained, accredited hands.

The keyholding element

Keyholding means a professional security company stores your keys in a secure off-site location and deploys them when needed. This includes alarm response and mobile patrols. By using professional keyholding, emergency procedures are handled correctly and staff avoid dangerous situations.

Keyholding is governed by strict British Standards, which require secure storage, controlled access, adequate insurance, and SIA-licensed personnel. Following these standards improves compliance and can reduce insurance costs.

Professional keyholding removes stress for staff. Employees no longer need to carry keys, organise handovers, or worry about burglars targeting their homes. If an alarm goes off at night, trained responders attend, file reports, and keep your team safe.

The manned guarding element

Professional lock and unlock support goes beyond holding keys. A trained officer attends at agreed times to open or close the building. Officers follow proper procedures, check alarms, inspect doors and windows, and complete building checks.

Their visible presence deters intruders and reassures staff. Guards can also supervise early deliveries, cleaners, or contractors, ensuring only authorised people access the site.

Why do businesses choose professional lock and unlock support

• Guaranteed opening times – doors open on schedule, operations start without delay.
  
• Correct closing procedures – guards set alarms, secure all points, and switch off utilities.
  
• Reduced staff stress – employees focus on their roles, not security tasks.
  
• Insurance compliance – many insurers prefer professional keyholding services.
  
• Enhanced safety – trained officers respond to alarms instead of untrained staff.
  
• Visible deterrent – uniformed officers show the site is actively protected.
  
• Cost-effective protection – a subscription is more efficient than using salaried staff for out-of-hours cover.
  

Copeland’s standards and accreditations

• Vetting of officers (BS 7858): Five years of employment history, credit checks, ID verification, and SIA licensing.
  
• Keyholding and guarding standards (BS 7984 & BS 7499): Secure storage and static guarding procedures in line with best practice.
  
• 24-hour UK-based control room: Real people answer, coordinate, and dispatch responses.
  
• ISO certifications: Copeland holds ISO 9001, 14001, 18788, 22301, 27001 and 45001, covering quality, environment, security operations, continuity, information security, and health and safety.
  
• NSI inspection and SIA ACS: Regular inspection and ACS approval confirm compliance with the highest industry standards.
  

More than lock and unlock

Copeland integrates this service with mobile CCTV, alarm response, patrols, manned guarding, and event security, offering complete protection tailored to your site.

Taking positive action

Leaving access to chance creates risk. With Copeland’s professional lock and unlock support, you get officers vetted to BS 7858, keyholding in line with BS 7984, UK-based control, ISO-certified processes, and visible deterrence.

Call to action

Ready to protect your premises? Contact Copeland Group Services today to discuss how professional lock and unlock support can keep your property secure, compliant, and stress-free.

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

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