If you run a business or any large property, such as a school, that requires customers or employees to be away from their cell phones for any length of time, then you likely understand that these cell phones need a safe place to go while their owners are focusing on other things. After all, cell phones are subject to theft and loss, just like any other small electronic.
Did you know that one in ten people has been the victim of cell phone theft? These thefts usually happen when a phone is left behind or forgotten, and the phones are often used for scrap or for their valuable, often personal data.
Theft can happen anywhere—at gyms, schools, courthouses, and other locations where users are required to part with their phones for any time.
That’s why cell phone lockers exist, and they can make the difference for your students, customers, and visitors.
What Is a Cell Phone Locker?
Cell phone lockers are very much like centralized mailboxes, in that they consist of many small lockers inside a single, aluminum cabinet. Typically, these units contain from 15 to 20 lockers inside each cabinet.
Security features include:
- Locking compartments that each come with three keys. This is to prevent customers from being unable to retrieve their items if one key is lost or dropped. For best results, have a trusted employee keep a set of keys on hand.
- Master locks can enable the locker owner or an employee to access the compartments in the event of lost keys.
- Combination locks are also available for cell phone lockers that will see regular use by the same people.
- Cardholders in front of each door can help with compartment labeling.
- A double powder-coated finish helps prevent wear and tear.
- Recessed units come with a flanged collar to prevent tampering.
In addition, cell phone lockers are easy to install, because they can simply mount to walls, recess into a vertical surface, or stand alone, with the help of freestanding cell phone locker enclosures. This makes cell phone lockers versatile for a variety of environments.
They Aren’t Just Good for Cell Phones.
Cell phone lockers, due to their small size, are great for other easy-to-lose items as well, such as:
- Keys and key rings
- Wallets
- Some smaller purses
- In many cases, tablets
- Other small electronics such as cameras
- Loose money and jewelry, if needed
Because they are secure with locks, virtually any valuable item can be stored inside of them, so long that it fits.
How to Use Cell Phone Lockers
Cell phone lockers are useful for a wide variety of settings. Any public place where visitors must part with their phones for a while can use cell phone lockers. This includes schools, military bases, gyms, some healthcare settings, and more.
Usually, the best place to provide cell phone lockers is near the front of a building, or by the main entrance. Most often, lockers can be placed in or near offices, such as just outside the entrance. This will serve two purposes. First, an employee can monitor the lockers in case anyone needs help and in case anyone attempts to vandalize. Second, the lockers will be easy to find, and visitors will know how to use them if there are questions.
Where, exactly, should cell phone lockers be installed?
- Front entryways are an easy place to install cell phone lockers, especially the type that recess into walls. Just ensure that customers or visitors have an easy way to use keys and to drop them off when they leave unless you’re using combination locks. A key drop or chute may be a good idea.
- Offices are a good spot for cell phone lockers, due to their security and supervision.
- Outside of locker rooms are another common location, especially in damp areas where customers or students may want to keep their electronics away from moisture. Place your lockers just outside of the locker room. It is good practice to require everyone using a locker room to deposit their cell phones before entering. Many locker rooms don’t allow cell phones, and for good reason. Cell phones have cameras that could violate the privacy of others. Schools and gyms are the most likely places to use cell phone lockers for this purpose.
- Courthouses can make use of cell phone lockers, most likely near security or in any lounges or waiting rooms where jurors and others will wait to enter a courtroom.
- Schools are another good place to use cell phone lockers. After all, distraction can lower scores and detract from student performance. Cell phone lockers can be used in a central corridor or near an office, and in this case, you can mount the cabinets side by side. This setup will work well if cell phones are being stolen from regular lockers, or if students have little use for regular lockers, such as cases where most learning happens electronically.
Who is Responsible for Cell Phone Lockers?
The owner of the building or property manager is responsible for the upkeep and supervision of cell phone lockers. This means that the owner must replace any broken parts, such as doors and locks, when problems arise. Be sure to paint over or clean any graffiti on your lockers to keep them looking professional.
Be prepared to manage keys for visitors, students, and customers. Key keepers are a good solution for keeping keys organized, and secure drops are a great way to keep returned keys together. Have a receptionist or other employee prepared to manage cell phone lockers for ease of use and troubleshooting.
Here at National Mailboxes, we have a wide variety of cell phone lockers available, with varying locks, mounting types, identification cards, and more. If you’re looking to add cell phone lockers to your school, business, gym, or other establishment, and you have questions about which type is right for you, be sure to contact us today. We’re here to help you keep your customers, students, and visitors happy for years to come.
