Wandsworth Prison in UK replaces locks & keys over fear of duplication

HMP Wandsworth, one of the largest prisons of the United Kingdom in the London Borough of Wandsworth, South West London, has started replacing all its locks and keys, reported a British news organisation. The action has been taken over fear that copies of the keys may be available with the inmates. A 40-year-old man, who works for Government Facility Services Ltd, was arrested on the suspicion of conspiracy. The HM Prison Wandsworth holds more than 1,600 prisoners and the alleged conspiracy could have led to the mass fleeing of prisoners.

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Lock and keys getting replaced

The man accused of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office has been suspended on the basis of suspicion, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) told the news channel. MoJ also declared that keys at the category B jail are being replaced. The accurate data on the number of compromised locks and keys were not confirmed by the MoJ but a British Daily reported that around 3,200 keys are being replaced. The estimated cost of replacement is around £1million.

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Heightened security and checks

It has also been reported that concrete evidence of replication of keys and its availability to the inmates have not been found. According to the Prison Service spokesperson of HMP Wandsworth, security at the gate has been heightened and extra security checks have also been imposed. The spokesperson reasoned that any further comment would not be appropriate citing ongoing police investigations. As per the Metropolitan Police, the suspect was arrested after a complaint was made to Police.

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About the HMP Wandsworth

Designed on the basis of humane “separate system” principle, HM Prison Wandsworth was known as Surrey House of Correction. Currently, it is operated by ‘Her Majesty's Prison Service’. The prison has a central control point from where several corridors radiate. It contains eight wings in two units, with the smaller unit comprising of three wings. As per the plan, the smaller unit will be opened, after refurbishment, as a Category C unit focusing on resettlement services.

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