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Ensuring that your laundromat or your building’s laundry room is kept safe and secure is important for both you and your customers or tenants. If you are the target of thefts, break-ins, and vandalism, those who use your services will be hesitant about leaving their possessions unattended, and you could be at risk of losing out on potentially hundreds of dollars – not just to thieves, but to repair costs.

While there is no guarantee that you’re laundromat or laundry room can be 100% safe from crime, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the risk, and make yourself and your customers feel secure.

Use a Cashless System

If there is no cash on the premises, thieves have no reason to break in and attempt to steal from you. In the past, many companies have used a token-based system that allows customers or residents to use the washing facilities without any need for cash to be left unattended. While this was a great way to deter thieves, it was an inconvenience to those who had no tokens to hand when they wanted to use the machines.

As technology has advanced, so have commercial washing machines. We now have the ability to access machines using an entirely cashless system. Whether through a chip-and-pin, contactless payment, or ApplePay, the risk of theft can be eliminated from your laundry. To find out more about cashless systems and the future of laundry, read our previous blog post on the topic.

Install 24/7 Cameras

Even if your laundry is closed overnight, it pays to have video surveillance in place 24/7. In the event of a break-in or theft, you will be able to track down the exact time of the crime, and potentially get a good look at the person committing it. Not only will this help the police with any investigations, if the person is a tenant in your building, you will be able to talk directly to them, or have them evicted from the building.

Alongside your surveillance equipment, having signs posted on the door and on the walls of your laundry will deter any potential thieves or vandals, as they will be unwilling to be caught on camera.

Don’t Leave Cash Overnight

If it’s not possible for you to install a cashless system in your machines, an alternative would be to ensure that no cash is left on the premises overnight. This may be easier said than done if you do not live close to the area, but having signs posted alerting people to the fact there is no cash left overnight will again deter them from attempting to break in.

Lock Up

Damaged washing machines need to be repaired, especially in a building where many people are relying on your services. These repairs can come at quite the price, and it is in your best interests to avoid them at all costs.
One way to do this is to ensure that, outside of opening hours, all doors and windows are securely locked. Though this may cause complaints in an apartment building, where tenants may wish for a 24/7 service, most break-ins and acts of vandalism happen overnight when there are few witnesses.