Banham Group (formerly known as Banham Patent Locks) is a family owned security company. Established in 1926, Banham Group is now the largest supplier of burglary and fire prevention systems in London. The company's history dates back to 1926, when William F. Banham invented the first automatic latch bolt lock after a series of burglaries on his wife's dress shop. He opened his own locksmith shop on Oxford Street, London, and offered £25 to anyone who could pick or break one of his patented locks.