A strong security plan is not built on a single solution. Instead, it is a blend of services that work together to protect people, property and operations. One often overlooked element is the Lock and Unlock service, a professional combination of secure keyholding and a manned guard presence at the most vulnerable times of day.
What is a lock and unlock service?
Lock and unlock ensures that your site is opened correctly at the start of the day and secured fully at the end. It involves professional officers attending your premises, following your procedures, and ensuring that alarms are set, doors and windows are checked, and staff can enter or leave safely.
The service combines:
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Keyholding which provides secure custody and management of your keys in line with British Standards
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Manned presence with trained officers who provide reassurance, deterrence and consistency
Why opening and closing times matter
Opening and closing are often the most exposed moments of the business day. Employees may arrive alone in the early morning or leave late in the evening, carrying keys and responsibility for the whole building. Mistakes such as forgetting to lock a door or failing to set an alarm can leave the site vulnerable.
By placing these tasks in the hands of security professionals, lock and unlock fits seamlessly into a broader security plan and removes unnecessary pressure from staff.
How lock and unlock complements your wider strategy
Lock and unlock works best when integrated with other services:
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Manned guarding provides continuous on site protection during operating hours
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Mobile patrols allow for visible deterrence and flexible coverage across larger or multiple sites
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Alarm response ensures trained responders attend incidents without putting employees at risk
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Mobile CCTV towers add continuous monitoring and can cover remote or vulnerable areas
By combining lock and unlock with these services, businesses may achieve greater consistency, compliance and resilience.
Standards and professional reassurance
At Copeland, our officers are vetted to BS 7858, keys are managed under BS 7984, and procedures align with BS 7499. All services are supported by a 24 hour UK based control room and backed by ISO certifications including ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 18788 for security operations. Copeland is also inspected by the NSI and accredited under the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme, ensuring full compliance with industry standards.
See our lock and unlock case study
To understand how lock and unlock works in practice, view our Mayfields Woodland Burial Ground case study. It shows how the service was applied in a sensitive setting, providing reassurance and professional oversight without disrupting the environment.
Strengthen your security strategy with Copeland
Lock and unlock is not a stand alone service. It is a building block in a wider plan to protect your staff, assets and operations. Explore how it can complement your existing security measures by contacting Copeland Group Services today.