Choosing a secure key safe: what to look for to protect your property
Your essential guide to choosing a secure, reliable and police preferred key safe.
Protecting your home, business, or the people you support starts with choosing the right key safe. With so many products marketed as “secure” or “heavy duty,” it’s easy to be misled. The truth is, not all key safes are truly secure. Many cheap “key boxes” look sturdy but haven’t been tested, certified, or approved for external use — and can often be opened in seconds with basic tools.
If you want genuine security, look for Secured by Design key safes that are police preferred, attack-tested, and independently certified.
- Introduction
- Key Box vs Key Safe
- How to choose a secure key safe
- The safest choice: police preferred and Secured by Design
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
- Our credentials
Table of content
Key Boxes vs Key Safes
Not all key storage products are equally secure.
Key Boxes
Low-security, suitable for indoor use only.
Not independently tested or accredited.
Easily breached with basic tools.
Not suitable for external installation.
Low quality, unsecure fixings.
Key Safes
High-security, independently attack-tested (LPS1175).
Approved by Secured by Design (SBD).
Designed for external use, resisting real-world attacks.
Bottom line: Only LPS1175-rated key safes (A5 or higher) provide reliable protection. Key boxes are not safe for outdoor use.
How to choose a secure key safe:
Why Security Accreditation Matters
A truly secure key safe is more than just claim to be "strong". Look for products that have:
- Independent attack testing
- LPS1175 certification (Issue 8, A5 or higher)
- Secured by Design approval (police-preferred specification)
Our police preferred range is tested by BRE, one of the world’s leading independent test houses, to ensure compliance with the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) LPS1175 standards.
This rigorous testing simulates real-world break-in attempts and is trusted by insurers and police forces across the UK.
Why you shouldn’t trust anything less
Many “key boxes” sold online look like proper units, and are marketed as secure, but have no real accreditation.
These products:
Are unsuitable for external use
Can be breached in seconds
Offer no verified protection
May invalidate insurance
For true security, A5 is the minimum you should accept. Anything less is not a key safe - it’s a risk.
How to verify a key safe’s security: buyer’s checklist
Before buying, ensure your key safe has:
• LPS1175 certification (A5, A10, or higher)
• Secured by Design, police preferred approval - always look for the Secured by Design official logo
• Independent testing by BRE or another certified body
• Visible certification numbers
• Suitable fixings for external installation
If any of these elements are missing, it's not a secure key safe.
Understanding LPS1175 Ratings: A5, A10, and B1
LPS1175 Issue 8 is the UK’s leading standard for products designed to resist forced entry. Ratings indicate attack resistance:
A-ratings: Resistance easily concealed tools used by opportunistic theieves.
Higher numbers = stronger protection (A10 offers more resistance than A5)
A5 is the minimum rating recommended for external key storage.
Products without LPS1175 certification haven’t been independently tested, meaning their security cannot be guaranteed.
The safest choice: police preferred and Secured by Design
1. Identify your level of risk: Home, business, rental property, or care provider.
2. Determine your security need: A5 at a minium for external use, A10/B1 for maximum protection.
3. Check certification: Look for Secured by Design approval, LPS1175 rating, and independent testing.
4. Check installation needs: Ensure fixings are suitable for external walls - look for fixings no less than 60mm.
ark Tamo Key Safe
The ark Tamo key safe is a high‑security option offering reliable and robust attack resistance.
With an LPS1175 Issue 8 A10 rating, it provides stronger protection against forced entry than basic models, making it suitable for higher‑risk locations or properties with frequent access needs.
Its robust construction and independent testing provide peace of mind for both residential and commercial users.
You can view ark Tamo's official security certificate here.
ark Tamo Pro Key Safe
The ark Tamo Pro builds on the original Tamo with a dual rating: LPS1175 A10 + B1, making Tamo Pro officially the worlds most secure mechanical key safe.
This means it has been tested to resist a wider range of attack tools and techniques, delivering industry‑leading resilience.
The Tamo Pro is an excellent choice for high‑traffic environments, sensitive sites, or any setting where maximum security is paramount.
You can view ark Tamo Pro's official security certificate here.
C500 Pro Key Safe
The Supra C500 Pro key safe is the original police preferred key safe. A trusted, Secured by Design key safe with an LPS1175 A5 rating.
It provides proven security, ease of use, and reliable performance for standard external installation.
You can view C500 Pro's official security certificate here.
P500 Pro Key Safe
The Supra P500 Pro also carries an A5 rating but includes enhanced security features and a more robust build, making it better suited to demanding environments where durability and repeated use are priorities.
You can view P500 Pro's official security certificate here
All four safes models are police preferred, Secured by Design approved, and independently attack testing, ensuring verified protection where it matters most.
When security matters, choose a key safe that is proven, accredited, and attack-tested. The Key Safe Company’s police preferred range combines:
• Independent BRE attack testing
• LPCB LPS1175 accreditation
• Secured by Design police recognition - always look for the Secured by Design official logo!
• Decades of real-world performance
• Industry-leading innovation
Whether for your home, business, rental property, or care service, our Secured by Design key safes give you peace of mind and the protection your property deserves.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if a key safe is truly secure?
Verify LPS1175 certification, Secured by Design approval, independent testing, and proper external fixings.
What is a Secured by Design key safe?
A police-preferred key safe that has been independently tested and certified by the official UK police iniative to resist forced entry and prevent crime.
What is the minimum LPS1175 rating for external key storage?
A5 is the minimum rating recommended for secure external key storage.
Conclusion
Always choose a key safe that is officially certified, accredited and independetly attack tested, like the police preferred range at The Key Safe Company. Always opt for a key safe, that is truly safe.
If you have any questions or want some support choosing the best key safe for your needs, give our friendly team a call.
Pioneering secure products
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.
His commitment to innovation continues to shape the industry and ensure the highest standards in secure access.
