Locker Banks: Self-Service Parcel Collection and Drop-Off/Return Points

Introduction

With online shopping, our busy lifestyle and our desire for convenience self-service parcel collection and drop-off/return points are growing in popularity. These are formally known as locker banks.

Locker banks are unstaffed facilities, placed for convenience and access. However, owners and operators must ensure they understand and mitigate associated security risks. This should include the risk from a concealed improvised explosive device on people, infrastructure and other assets. 

The need for a shipping label directly or indirectly linked to online registration and payment may act as a deterrent and provide a degree of assurance.

The operating model, location and installation should be considered when installing, operating or contracting locker banks.

Operating Model

Operating model considerations related to security risks and their mitigation include:

• the balance between shipments by established businesses vs marketplace sellers, smaller enterprises and private individuals;
• whether the locker bank is solely used for customer collections, or whether customers are also permitted to dispatch on-line shopping returns and other packages;
• the maximum size of individual lockers;
• limits on storage time before an item is returned to sender;
• security features designed into the locker bank and its operation, for example capture of high-resolution CCTV imagery/footage for each transaction;
• the locker bank operator’s approach to security, including personnel security of their workforce;
• contractual arrangements between the owner and/or operator of the premises and the locker bank operator, for example with regards to security responsibilities, and suspension of the locker bank's operation;
• whether and how the emergency services can access the lockers at short notice in response to a security incident or alert.

Location

The location should:

• balance convenience with safety and security, for example being in a quieter but open area at a busy site;
• avoid areas where a crowd may congregate, a queue may form, or a high footfall can be expected (e.g. an entry/egress or emergency exit route to or from a busy premises);
• not increase the vulnerability of the site, for example by being in an alcove or under an overhang, or adjacent to large windows, stores of flammable or hazardous materials, or critical service infrastructure;
• be well lit and make use of existing (or new) CCTV coverage and monitoring.

Installation

When installing facilities it is good practice to: 

• minimise opportunities for items to be emplaced and hidden around them;
• securely seal off and voids behind, beside and underneath them;
• include a sloping or curved top so that nothing can be placed on top.