Across the UK, infrastructure enclosures (from feeder pillars to roadside cabinets and telecom cabinets) are under increasing threat. Whether used for power distribution, traffic signal management, EV charging, or communications, these enclosures are often installed in publicly accessible areas, making them vulnerable to vandalism, forced entry, and theft.
This problem isn’t new, but it’s escalating. And it’s costing companies and public services time, money, and operational reliability.
The expansion of London's ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) has brought a surge in attacks on infrastructure. Between April and October 2023, Metropolitan Police recorded 987 offences involving ULEZ cameras - 220 stolen and 767 damaged. Each camera unit is estimated at around £10,000, resulting in an estimated £9.8 million in replacement and repair costs over just six months.
Moreover, these assaults often don’t stop at the cameras themselves. Adjacent enclosures such as feeder pillars, roadside cabinets, and telecom housings, frequently sustain collateral damage. Whether the aim is to cut power to disable the system or to directly compromise control infrastructure, weapons as simple as screwdrivers or crowbars are being used with alarming ease against weak locking systems.
These attacks have serious consequences:
These figures (nearly 1,000 incidents and £10 million in costs) underscore the urgent need for stronger, more resilient security solutions to protect our critical infrastructure.
Most enclosures come fitted with standard cam locks, many of which can be forced open using little more than a screwdriver or makeshift tool. The issue lies not only in the strength of the materials but in the design of the lock itself - many feature flat edges, accessible keyways, and little resistance to torque or impact.
For companies managing large estates of infrastructure enclosures, this leaves hundreds (or thousands) of access points open to risk.
Contour Secure has developed a tamper-resistant cam lock designed to address these exact challenges. It’s not a rebranded off-the-shelf product, it’s the result of understanding how enclosures are being compromised and designing a lock that responds to real-world risks.
Key features include:
Perhaps most importantly, it’s designed to retrofit into the same footprint as standard CAM locks. That means no drilling, no costly modifications, and minimal downtime during installation.
Replacing entire cabinets is expensive. Retrofitting a more robust lock is fast, simple, and cost-effective, especially when you consider:
Whether you’re managing feeder pillars, traffic systems, telecom infrastructure, or EV charging enclosures, investing in proper locking mechanisms can help prevent damage before it happens.
Security isn’t just about products, it’s about understanding the risks and responding to them proactively. The widespread damage seen across infrastructure during ULEZ expansion shows how real and urgent the threat is.
Contour Secure’s tamper-resistant cam lock is a practical response - engineered to withstand tampering, integrate easily, and help protect critical infrastructure from the ground up.
If you're facing challenges with vandalism, damaged enclosures, or rising maintenance costs, it might be time to reconsider the locking systems you're relying on.
At Contour Secure, we’re here to help you protect what matters. Our tamper-resistant cam locks are designed to retrofit easily, reduce risk, and provide a practical upgrade to your existing security approach.
📞 Call us: 01952 890158
📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk
🌐 Visit: contoursecure.co.uk
Or use our online form to enquire about a free sample or discuss your requirements with a member of the team.
Let’s work together to secure your infrastructure - properly.
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