The present invention is directed to a device for locking and releasing objects intended for public use, such as luggage carts which can be taken from a common stowage space and returned to the same. The device comprises a locking apparatus allowing each object to be automatically locked to an adjacent object or to a fixed point in compact storage position. A coin or the like is introduced into the locking apparatus to allow unlocking of the same and the concomitant release of the object by exerting a pull thereon. The locking apparatus returns the coin when the object is returned to the stowage space and is locked to an adjacent object or to the fixed point. Unlocking of the object is accomplished by just exerting a pull thereon after the coin has been appropriately inserted into the locking apparatus.