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What to look for when buying a key safe and how to use them securely

Key safes are invaluable, but only when they are secure – and believe it or not, many cheap key boxes on the market, are not. With so many options available, and conflicting advice around security and placement, choosing the right one can seem like a minefield.

Secured by Design spoke to one of its trusted member companies, The Key Safe Company, to help provide expert guidance and advice.

Buying a key safe

It's not something most people do often, yet buying a key safe plays an important role in balancing security, convenience and peace of mind. Whether it’s helping an elderly relative to feel safe in their home, granting a teenage son or daughter greater independence, providing secure access for carers or cleaners, or offering a secure way to share keys without leaving them hidden outside, the right key safe makes all the difference.

The Key Safe Company, based in Worcester, has sold around three million key safes across the world since it was founded 30 years ago.

The company has been at the forefront of access management innovation for many years and in May 2026 won a King’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation, one of the most significant accolades a UK business can receive, in respect of its SBD-approved ark Tamo key safe.

The ark Tamo boasts breakthrough multi push-button technology that allows each button to be used multiple times within a single code. This function creates more than 9.7 million possible code combinations and, unlike competitor key safes, enables users to select a memorable eight-digit code, like a date of birth.

Here is their advice on what to look for:

Key Safe vs Key Box - what’s the difference?

Key Safe

  • A secure key storage unit that has undergone independent attack testing, achieving official security accreditations from Loss Prevention Certification Board and Secured by Design
  • Engineered for security and peace of mind, with attack resistant features
  • Suitable for external walls, with 60mm masonry screws and weather resistant materials
  • Constructed from heavy-duty robust and attack resistant material (hardened steel or thick alloy)
  • Accessed via a unique code or combination
  • Reliable, security you can trust

Key box

  • Typically, a low-cost product with no accreditation or third-party testing
  • Suitable only for internal use as they can be broken into easily
  • Often made from light-weight materials, thin metal and cheap alloys
  • Provided screws are often insufficient, meaning easy removal
  • Built for convenience rather than security, offering a poor level of protection

The most important distinction, however, is whether the product has been independently tested and accredited. Only key safes that have been attack-tested and certified provide a robust level of security.

Accredited Key Safe

Always look for the Secured by Design logo - the official UK police security initiative that improves home safety standards, alongside an official certification from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB).

The Key Safe Company is proud to be a Secured by Design member, and our police preferred key safes have been attack tested independently and carry this trusted mark of approval, making them the most secure mechanical key safes in the UK.

Are key safes independently attack tested?

The Key Safe Company's police preferred key safes are tested by the Loss Prevention Certification Board, an independent, globally recognised organisation that has worked with industry experts and insurers since 1868 to set safety and security standards.

Every key safe in our police preferred range meets the LPS1175 Issue 8 standard – the same standards as a front door or window – proving it has been rigorously attack tested by independent authorities. The ark Tamo range includes the maximum security mechanical key safes ark Tamo and ark Tamo Pro that boast award-winning innovation within the patented multi-push keypad, and enhanced attack resistant features such as anti-saw pin, anti-drill hinges and an advanced anti-pick mechanism.

Is installation easy?

At The Key Safe Company, products come with custom-designed security screws and step-by-step installation and set-up guides that make DIY installation hassle-free.

Our key safes are easy to fix to the wall and even more straightforward to programme and set your code. 

A key safe is only secure if it stays fixed to the wall. Our fixings are suitable for external walls – we recommend looking for a product with fixings no less than 60mm.

Alternatively, the Key Safe company offer a professional installation service so a trusted installer can install the key safe for you, ensuring it meets the security standards required.

Where should a key safe be installed?

A frequently asked question – do I install by the door or out of view? We recommend installing your key safe in a place that is convenient for your use. While hiding key safes away out of sight may seem safe, it also means if someone was to attempt to manipulate it, they too would be out of view.

The key is to choose a product that is secure enough to install at the point of need, while giving peace of mind.

A key safe is only as secure as the surface you install it on to. We recommend not installing key safes on your front door directly; a solid wall near the door is ideal so avoid fixing to wooden fences, plastic cladding or plasterboard.

It is also important to consider whether you prefer a wall-mounted key safe or a portable one based on your needs.

Wall-mounted key safes provide a permanent and secure solution, while portable options offer flexibility when you need to move or transport your keys. Some key safes even offer the best of both worlds, providing the choice between wall-mounting or portability.

Final thoughts on key safe security

David Ogden, CEO and Founder of The Key Safe Company, pioneered key safe adoption in the UK in 1996 and led the development of the world’s first police preferred, Secured by Design approved key safe.

He believes there is confusion among the general public regarding the difference between key safes and key boxes, and which is the best to buy.

David said: “Much confusion arises because customers assume any product marketed as ‘secure’ has been attack tested, when in fact, in many cases it hasn’t. Unless it has been verified by LPCB or another independent body, it is not safe.

“Our products are measured against the same LPCB standards used for front doors, as there is no specific key safe standard, so we ensure our products meet minimum standards and exceed them where possible.

“This gives consumers confidence that the key safe they buy will enhance, rather than weaken, security because we ensure our products perform at all levels, from minimum requirements to high-security standards.”

Hazel Goss, SBD Development Officer, said, “The Key Safe Company have been members of Secured by Design since 2010 and during this time have produced some excellent third-party certified products. 

“Key Safes are ideal products for keeping keys externally, I use one myself on my own home. Always use a certified key safe and make sure that you always fit it correctly as shown in the product instructions.”