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Cash Tins vs Cash Safes: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right way to store your money matters more than ever. Whether you run a business or want better home security, safe storage protects your cash, documents, and valuables from theft or loss.

Askwith is here to help you make the right decision. This guide compares cash tins and cash safes so that you can choose the best money safe box for your needs.

Why a Cash Tin or Cash Safe Matters More Than Ever

The latest figures from the WA Police Force highlight the importance of protecting your cash and valuables.

Business Robberies: A Serious Threat

Western Australia recorded 76 business robberies in 2024–2025. For small businesses, one robbery can cause serious loss. A secure safe for cash can deter thieves and protect your earnings.

Burglaries at Home: Still a Daily Reality

The data shows 8,013 burglars broke into homes. Thieves still target houses frequently. Most seek easy access to cash, electronics, jewellery, and documents. Without house safes for cash or personal safes, burglars steal these items within minutes.

Theft Is Everywhere: Retail, Vehicles, and Beyond

There were 38,485 stealing offences across the state. Key categories include:

  • 14,817 thefts from retail premises – Retailers lose thousands every month from cash and goods stolen off shelves and counters.
  • 9,868 thefts from motor vehicles – Many people still leave cash or wallets in gloveboxes. Thieves target parked cars for quick gains.
  • 5,318 thefts from dwellings – Even when burglars get in, what they walk away with depends on how well things are secured.
  • 8,402 thefts from other premises or places – From garages to sheds, unsecured spaces become easy pickings.

Faced with this ever-present threat of theft, cash safes and cash tins help to prevent losses and secure your peace of mind.

What Are Cash Tins?

Cash tins store small amounts of money, such as a cash float or petty cash. They are designed for quick access and security. Most require no tools, setup, or installation, as they open with a simple key or latch. They hold coins, notes, or small receipts without fuss.

Cash tins suit low-value transactions. You have probably seen them in use at school events, weekend markets, or charity stalls. They keep money organised and easy to reach, and you can move them quickly or hide them when needed. Above all, they offer portability and simplicity.

Home Storage

In households, cash tins help manage small daily expenses. People often use them to store spare change, emergency notes, or money for school needs. You can keep them in a kitchen drawer or on a shelf for quick access. Although they don’t offer strong security, they help maintain basic order and accessibility.

Added Benefits

Cash tins make money handling simple and fast. You can label compartments, track small expenses, or store daily-use receipts. Their portability means you can move them between locations without hassle. For many households and community groups, that level of ease makes them an ideal short-term storage tool.

What Are Cash Safes?

Cash safes provide secure storage for money, documents, and other valuables. They suit businesses, offices, and homes that need strong protection. Built with reinforced steel and tamper-proof locks, most also resist fire and water damage. Many models bolt to walls or floors to prevent easy removal or theft.

Sometimes called “deposit safes,” cash safes come in different forms to match specific needs. Floor safes offer hidden storage underfoot, while wall safes save space and keep contents within reach. Fire-rated models protect documents from heat and smoke. Digital safes often use keypads or biometric locks for fast and secure access.

Business and High-Value Use

Retailers, offices, and hospitality venues use money safe boxes for daily takings and sensitive storage. Features like audit trails and dual-key systems help enforce access control, reducing the risk of theft and limiting unauthorised access.  

Added Benefits

Cash safes also protect documents, inventory logs, or backup drives. Built-in shelves make it easy to organise items. A strong document safe protects more than just money.

Cash Safes vs Cash Tins

The table below compares key features to help you decide which suits your needs best.

CategoryCash SafesCash Tins
PurposeSecure storage for high-value itemsQuick access for small amounts
Typical UsersBusinesses, offices, retailersHouseholds, market stalls, fundraisers
Protection LevelHigh security, theft and fire resistanceBasic deterrent, no fire resistance
Practical AdvantageLong-term security and complianceLightweight, portable, low-cost
Best Use CaseDaily takings, documents, valuablesPetty cash, school funds, donations

Learn more: Choosing the Right Safe for Cash: Key Features to Consider in 2025.

Choosing the Right Cash Safe for Sale

Askwith can help you find a high-quality safe for sale that fits your needs and space. Here are our top picks:

Best for Retail Cash Handling: Chubb Deposit Container Safe

The Chubb Deposit Container Safe suits busy retail environments where staff need to secure cash quickly. It combines fast access with strong steel protection, keeping your takings safe and organised.

 ✔️ 8mm solid steel body resists tampering
✔️ Deposit slot allows quick drop-in without access
✔️ Compact design fits under counters or in back rooms

Best for Cash Management on the Road: CMI Truck Strongbox with Posting Slot

The CMI Truck Strongbox is designed to be bolted into a vehicle for protection anywhere your work takes you. With its compact size, strong security, and convenient 100mm x 10mm posting slot, you gain security and mobility in one cash safe.

 ✔️ Solid 6mm construction
✔️ 6-lever pick-resistant key lock
✔️ Fire resistant 

Best Home Cash Safe: CMI Mini Deposit Safes

Although they’re called “cash safes,” the CMI Mini Deposit series of safes are multi-purpose. You can secure cash, jewellery, documents, and other valuables behind a heavy 12mm door and 6mm reinforced body. With three sizes available, you can find the best solution for your home.

 ✔️ Key, combination or digital lock available on all models
✔️ Deposit slots provide a convenient cash management solution
✔️ Can be mounted using masonry anchors

Contact Us for Superior Security Solutions

Need help choosing the right money-safe box or secure storage solution? Contact our Perth office at (08) 9451 7848 or our South Australia team at 0419 750 133.

Safe Today, Secure Tomorrow

Theft happens fast—but the right security solution can stop it before it starts. A money safe box, cash tin, deposit safe or document safe protects more than just money. It protects your family, staff, and peace of mind. 

Explore Askwith’s full range of cash safes and cash tins, and don’t leave your security to chance.