we go around and find used 40 ft extension ladders and then seperate them so you end up with 2 20 ft sections. then all you have to do is lock the ladder and stand together at the top of the system. this way there are no sections to worry about and we have picked the ladders up for about 50 bucks. which comes out to 25 bucks per 20 foot ladder once we seperate them. but we dont have a theft problem but its a suggestion for you to try and it makes it easy for set up as well. but remember locks only keep the honest guy from stealing them. if a thief wants it bad enough they will get it. if you have a theft issue i would just use a climber and be done with the problem