Abstract: An apparatus for securely locking an access cover to a housing, the housing defining an interior volume, comprising a bracket adapted to be attached at a point substantially within the interior volume of the housing, the bracket including fastening means inaccessible from the exterior of the housing once the access cover is mounted to the housing, the access cover comprising a member disposed thereon having a bore therein defining a longitudinal extent, the longitudinal extent of the bore being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the access cover, the bore of the member adapted to receive a lock having locking means thereon, the lock further being received in a bore of the bracket in alignment with the bore of the member once the access cover is mounted to the housing, the locking means being received on a side of the bracket opposite the member. The apparatus is especially adapted for protecting the housings containing electrical connections for electrical utility meters.