Providing a toilet for public use can be a legal requirement for some businesses, but often it’s a choice. And one that many savvy business owners make. Why? Because they recognise it as a convenience that is always welcomed by customers.
Disheartening then to think that public toilets are frequently mistreated, subject to vandalism and the setting for anti-social behaviour. And with so many other important business matters to attend to, the last thing you want is for your toilets to cause you additional work – and cost you time and money!
So, what can you do to improve security and prevent your public toilets from becoming an unnecessary headache? Here the team at M&P Cubicles and Hardware Supplies, take a look at a few relatively simple ways you can protect your toilets and keep potential problems at bay.
Tips to prevent vandalism
Whether it’s graffiti scrawled across walls, broken locks or deliberately clogged sinks and toilets, repairing damage can be expensive and time-consuming – not to mention frustrating!
But sometimes it only takes a few measures to deter and prevent problems. Here we look at a few security ideas worth considering:
– Regular checks
It may sound obvious but sometimes it’s the little things that can have the most impact. If your toilets are only checked at the beginning and end of the day (and maybe once in between if you’re lucky), then they are far more susceptible to trouble. Simply upping your routine checking will help you to keep a much closer eye on things.
– Open plan sinks
Ok, so this isn’t possible for all venues but, if you have the room, it’s worth considering open plan sinks. By creating a washroom that is more visible and having the sinks, mirrors, hand dryers etc out in the open, it makes it far less likely that improper activity will occur.
– ‘Ask for the key’ policy
This is great for smaller businesses who perhaps only have one toilet on offer. If customers have to request the key to unlock the facilities, you can keep tight control over its use – and the chance of any anti-social behaviour will be dramatically reduced.
– Anti-vandal locks
This is one of our favourite solutions and it can be a real money saver long term. Swap your regular locks for special anti-vandal alternatives – such as the revolutionary Burstcatch. They work by automatically releasing if excessive force is applied – such as someone kicking the door or running at it. This prevents the lock from breaking, saving you time and money on replacements – it also means access can be gained in the event of an emergency.
– Surveillance cameras
Do you have security cameras in your premises? We’ll bet you don’t have one near the toilets! In fact, though, positioning a camera to monitor the main entry and exit of the toilet facilities is a great idea and can be an extremely effective deterrent.
Talk to the experts
At M&P Fittings we not only supply a wide range of toilet cubicle hardware – including the revolutionary Burstcatch locking systems – we also supply bespoke toilet cubicles. So whether you’re looking to replace a few fixtures and fittings or want to kit out your public toilets from scratch, we’re here to help.
Talk to the team today by calling 0151 345 0699, email sales@mpfittings.co.uk or fill in our contact form and we’ll be back in touch soon.