Worried about your storage unit being broken into? What to know after string of KC thefts
Kansas City police recently recovered over $250,000 in stolen items from storage units across the city. The suspect cut the locks off of units within the city and in Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park storage facilities.
Police matched some of the stolen items that were reported with items found in the suspect’s own storage unit. They determined that the suspect broke and replaced locks from 12 different units, stealing commemorative items and tools from manufacturing companies.
While the police are asking Kansas City residents to check on their storage units and file a report with the department for any property that may be missing, what measures can you take to prevent your items from being stolen in the first place?
Leslie Foreman, a member of the media communications department with KCPD, shared a few tips on what you can do to keep your items safe and secure while stored away.
TAKE YOUR TIME
There are plenty of storage facility options in Kansas City. Take the time to find the right one for you and what you’re putting inside.
If you have any concerns about a storage facility, you should…
ASK AROUND
Foreman recommended asking potential facilities about any security they have in place.
She said you should ask about what cameras they use and how often they’re active, what the on-site security does to help and if they use gates and key cards.
Consider using a unit where someone lives on-site or there is 24/7 staff coverage.
CHECK YOUR ITEMS
Make sure to check on your items routinely. If you don’t live in the same area as the storage unit you choose to use, you might want to consider asking someone you trust to go by and take a look at what’s inside every other week.
LOCK IT DOWN
Move.org recommended these three locks as the best to use for storage units:
ABUS 20 steel padlock. It has an anti-cut plate and combats drilling and lock-picking
Medeco M3 boron padlock. While it costs $124.40, it’s strong and works in indoor and outside settings
Stanley Hardware steel padlock. It’s resistant to drilling and lock-picking and it’s affordable, only costing $38.63
Someone can break through any lock with enough effort and strong tools, but these locks will give thieves the toughest time.
