An item storage device for securely storing items comprising: a receptacle defining a storage area for receiving an item to be stored; a fastener for opening and closing the receptacle and which operably cooperates with a lock mechanism for selectively securing the fastener in a closed position and for unsecuring the fastener for allowing the fastener to be set from the closed into an open position; and an alarm system which is operably coupled with the receptacle and which may be armed when the fastener is secured, the armed alarm system providing an output responsive to detecting that the structural integrity of the receptacle is compromised.