Chubb Fire & Security

English brothers and lock makers Charles and Jeremiah Chubb established the company now known as Chubb Fire & Security in 1818 – the same year they patented their Chubb detector lock. The firm introduced its first safe in 1835; then in the 1870s it expanded to the USA. At the time, the country was suffering from violent bank robberies, so Chubb responded by producing a time lock to be attached to the doors of vaults and safes. In 2000 Chubb sold its lock division and switched its focus to security systems. Since 2003 the firm has been owned by U.S. multinational conglomerate United Technologies Corporation, and it is today based around the world. In the U.K., services include mobile patrols, remote surveillance and response, and key holding. Meanwhile, South African extras comprise armed response teams, electric fencing, and a special Chubb911 24-hour emergency hotline. In Australia, the company also offers a cash-in-transit service.