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Mace Security International Terminates Wash Depot Merger

2 October 2000

Mace Security International Terminates Wash Depot Merger

    MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Oct. 2 Mace Security International,
Inc. ("Mace") , a leading provider of car care services, today
announced the termination of its definitive merger agreement with Wash Depot
Holdings, Inc. ("Wash Depot").
    On March 9, 2000, Mace announced that it signed a definitive merger
agreement with Wash Depot.  On August 9, 2000, Mace announced that it believed
that Wash Depot would not be able to satisfy certain conditions precedent to
closing by September 30, 2000, after which date Mace was entitled to terminate
the Wash Depot agreement.  Mace terminated the merger agreement on September
30, 2000 because conditions to closing were not satisfied.
    Louis D. Paolino, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Mace, said,
"We believe that the termination of the Wash Depot transaction is in the best
interest of the Company.  The entire management team and I are very confident
with the strength of our core business, and continue to believe that Mace is
an excellent investment opportunity at the current stock price.  While we will
not be proceeding with this transaction, we continue to consider all
opportunities to increase shareholder value.  This includes our continued
dedication to internally growing our car wash business."
    Mr. Paolino added, "In addition, we are exploring potential acquisitions,
mergers and strategic alliances with several companies, including companies
not in the car wash business.  We are pursuing discussions with several
companies, which have the potential to provide reasonable growth
opportunities.  Although Mace has given several companies preliminary
consideration, no agreements have been exchanged and no assurance can be given
that any transaction will occur."