When we envision a robbery, most of us imagine a hold-up at a bank. In reality, however, retail businesses, such as gas stations, convenience stores, and “mom-and-pop” establishments, are more at risk. A depository safe, also known as a deposit safe or a drop safe, is a valuable addition to any business that handles cash or checks, as well as any other sensitive items or documents. A depository safe is the best way to keep cash safe for a short time before it can be taken to the bank, but that’s not its only use. Depository safes protect businesses from theft and burglaries at the point of purchase. Employees can simply drop cash or checks through an opening in the safe. These safes are available in a range of sizes and shapes. Large depository safes are best for restaurants or offices in retail stores, making daily drops fast and easy. Smaller safes can be used in places where space is at a premium, such as under a cash register in stores where the cashier deposits large bills. Some other uses for drop safes include customer key returns for car rental agencies, and even for temporarily storing confidential business documents before they’re sent to a commercial shredding company.

Who Needs a Depository Safe?

Depository safes are ideal for a range of businesses, including:

• Bars
• Churches
• Convenience stores
• Gas stations
• Car washes
• Hotels and motels
• Nonprofits
• Pawn shops
• Police departments
• Restaurants
• Small retail stores

Types of Depository Safes

There are different types of depository safes available, including a front-loading safe with a posting slot, a capsule deposit safe connected to an underground safe, and a rotary hopper deposit safe that’s perfect for police departments and hospitals. Rotary drop safes can be used for cash, documents, or large packages. There are a variety of locking mechanisms commonly used in depository safes. Some provide added security by requiring that two separate people open the safe using different keys. Others contain an electronic opening mechanism that can record the dates and times the safe was last opened, which allows the owner to track its use. In order to provide maximum protection, depository safes should be securely fixed or bolted down in a permanent location. Most safes have anchor holes that can be used to attach the safe into concrete. Some drop safes can even be built into a wall. Proper installation of the safe will prevent thieves from stealing the entire safe, transporting it to another location, and opening it using explosives or by some other means. There are three types of depository safes, classified by the way the items are deposited: 1. Slotted Loading Depository Safe: This is the simplest type of drop safe. Cash and checks can be inserted into a slot near the top of the door. Thieves are unable to remove the contents of the box due to a one-way baffle. 2. Hinged Hopper Depository Safe: This safe features a hopper used for loading the deposit. (This is the type of used for library book return slots.) The user pulls out the hopper and deposits the item. This type of safe also uses a one-way baffle. 3. Rotary Hopper Depository Safe: This is widely considered to be the most secure type of drop safe. It uses a rotary hopper which must be rotated a full turn to make the deposit.

3 Reasons You Need a Depository Safe

These are the most important reasons a business should use a depository safe:

1. Preventing Theft by Employees

A recent study shows that a whopping $50 billion is stolen from U.S. businesses by employees each year, and 75% of employees have stolen from their employer at least once. In light of these statistics, it’s imperative to ensure a company’s assets are protected. Since standard safes must be opened with a combination or a key, they are a security risk. Anyone opening the safe to deposit cash or other valuables also has the ability to remove them. Since depository safes allow employees to drop in cash without affording access to the safe, they eliminate much of the worry associated with possible theft from someone inside your organization.

2. Robbery Protection

Businesses that use a drop safe are protected against robbery. Keeping $50 or less in a cash register at any given time and putting the rest into a depository safe limits the amount that can be stolen. Posting that the company keeps less than $50 on the premises in a place that’s visible to the public can help prevent a robbery.

3. Lower Insurance Premiums

In addition to saving money, protecting your business from theft and robberies has another advantage: it may reduce the company’s insurance premium, which can save even more money. Considering the relative affordability of a depository safe, it’s a smart investment. Western Safe sells top-of-the-line safes to businesses and homeowners across the U.S. Whether you need secure storage for your guns or a depository safe for your business, we have what you need. If we don’t have it in stock, we’ll find it for you. Get in touch with us at (858) 277-7711 or contact us online so we can help you keep your assets protected.