stolen coin slots

[frameonu]

I am new to the business. Bought a mat about 7 months ago. Last week our candy machine was open by someone with a key. They ripped out the coin slots and took some chips and candy. We put on a pad lock. Yesterday we noticed that 2 of our new Maytags coin return slots were gone. Again someone with a key. They took the time to snip the wire and took the box. Never tried to get to the coins. I don't understand why this is happening. How could someone have a key?
Any comments are welcome....

[William]

You did get all new locks when you took over, didn't you?

[frameonu]

yes...all new locks! Both are new machines, just installed last week!

[pete f]

I am new to the business. Bought a mat about 7 months ago. Last week our candy machine was open by someone with a key. They ripped out the coin slots and took some chips and candy. We put on a pad lock. Yesterday we noticed that 2 of our new Maytags coin return slots were gone. Again someone with a key. They took the time to snip the wire and took the box. Never tried to get to the coins. I don't understand why this is happening. How could someone have a key?
Any comments are welcome....

Are you reffering to the coin drop? The service key for Maytag, and all other brands does not differ like coin box keys. Dexter uses the same key on every machine for the service door, SQ does it, Maytag etc. Makes it easy to steal a coin drop. but I have never heard of it happening. Sounds like someone is getting parts for thier own machines. Getting into the candy machines sounds more like an inside job, those keys would differ from machine to machine. I assume you do NOT have CAM recorders?

[frameonu]

Yes, I mean the coin drop box....that's the wierd thing about this. I've just learned that it is a universal key held by only owners and repairmen. Which makes this even creepier that it would possibly be someone it the business. Yes we do have cameras, but unfortunately it was unplugged....not even sure how this happend. No employees, so not inside job. No money from washers were stolen, just the box and wires were snipped. Maytag will honor the warranty, since they are only a few weeks old...whew! I found out that the candy machine was done by a professional that has many keys and does this all the time, hence the pad lock. So today we installed new service locks....but still would like an answer as to who or why? If anyone knows of this happening else where, please let me know.

[elf1564]

Sorry to hear about your bad luck. Coin drops are not cheap but nor are they something can be used on many things. Only thing I can figure is that someone has some machines and decided to not to pay for new coin drop units. Could be the owner or repair guy of laundromat or even someone who has coin-op equipment in an apartment complex.

As Pete pointed out the service key although typically keyed for different brands is something that isn't too difficult for someone in the know to get a hold of. Might consider asking your dist. if the factory can provide a non-standard service key and lock. I know this sounds expensive for all of the washers but then again so are 2 coin drops.

More than likely if they have the one service key and needed the coin drops they perhaps have access to most of the common keys. Another thought would be someone who is stealing a few to place on Ebay.

I think I would get the camera turned back on. Good luck!

[Monarch]

Service door locks mainly have very common codes. I'll wager that the Maytag's have either ZB7 or ZB5 on the key. Common codes for GE would be GR100 for SQ/HUEBSCH GR800 and for Whirlpool GR777 or 888.

We can furnish other codes that are not so common. THis is something many operators overlook in their security surveys. Re-keying to a less common code can save you a bunch of headache.

Norman

[Anonymous]

I am new to the business. Bought a mat about 7 months ago. Last week our candy machine was open by someone with a key. They ripped out the coin slots and took some chips and candy. We put on a pad lock. Yesterday we noticed that 2 of our new Maytags coin return slots were gone. Again someone with a key. They took the time to snip the wire and took the box. Never tried to get to the coins. I don't understand why this is happening. How could someone have a key?
Any comments are welcome....

Do you owe the repair guy or the old owner any money? Or did you fire an attendant?