A programmable locking and latching mechanism comprises a door mounted high resolution image scanner able to descriminate thumbprints, an electronic signal from the scanner is processed by a programmable comparator associated with the lock mechanism and battery powered. A normally open contact is closed when the scanned image is recognised to unlatch the door locking mechanism and release a shutter normally blocking a key receiving aperture. After a preset delay the shutter returns to the blocking condition and the latch resets. IMAGE
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