Locking Mailbox Helps Prevent Mail Theft and Identity Theft
February 1, 2009 – 11:25 pm
A locking mailbox is a fairly inexpensive and easy-to-install home security upgrade. And even if nothing has ever happened to your mail, it can make sense to install one before it does.
Who should consider a locking mailbox?
While anyone will feel that their mail is more secure after installing a locking box, it makes particular sense if your box isn’t visible from the house (this can be because foliage blocks the view, because the box is down or across the street grouped with others, or because you live down a long driveway). Mailboxes that are out-of-sight/out-of-mind are more likely to be tampered with.
Also, if you are away from home frequently and don’t always remember to place a hold on your mail before heading out of town, a locking mailbox can ensure nobody can gain access under the cover of darkness. Many security mailboxes offer larger-than-average storage areas, leaving mail safe and protected until you come home with a key for the lock.
Even if those two scenarios don’t describe you, you may still want to consider a locking mailbox if you’ve ever been targeted for mail theft or mail crime is known to happen in your neighborhood. It can also be wise to install a secure mailbox if you are concerned about identity theft.
Safeguarding against identity theft
Not only can mail theft deprive you of prized packages and checks from employers; it can also be a window of opportunity for a thief who specializes in identity theft. Often the type of information found in your run-of-the-mill mail is all a crook needs to perpetrate identity theft.
The annoying thing about this crime is that loans can be taken out and credit cards applied for in your name before you even realize you’ve been targeted. There have even been cases of crooks selling a family’s house without them knowing about it!
Identity theft is a very real threat, and a locking mailbox can help protect you from it.
Typical locking mailbox features
You could say that any mailbox with a lock installed is technically a locking mailbox, and it’s possible to retrofit a regular box with a lock. Most locking mailboxes, however, have a little more going for them. Not only do they require a key to be opened, but they are sturdier and sometimes offer more storage than standard models.
Features you may want to look for are:
- Aluminum or other durable material for the body
- Post office box style body (mail can be dropped in from above but then only accessible through a locked storage area below)
- Weather-proof construction (especially useful if your mail occasionally spends a night or two in the box)
Locking mailbox costs
Fortunately, basic locking mailboxes don’t cost much more than standard boxes. Prices start around $100 with higher quality models running $200-$300.
You can find a wide selection of mailboxes online, but make sure to check whether or not a pedestal is included. These often need to be purchased separately. Of course, if you have a solid post or other pedestal already, you may simply be able to reuse it.
Locking Mailbox Examples
The following security mailboxes can all be purchased through Amazon, so click through to their site if you want more information on a model:
“Made of sturdy, impact-resistant polyethylene plastic, this mailbox will hold several days’ worth of mail (up to 2,000 cubic inches) securely in a locked storage compartment. The mail slot is unlocked, so your mailman won’t need a key, and is large enough to accept bigger packages. Delivered mail drops down an angled chute to the bottom of the locked, waterproof container-safely out of reach. When you’re ready to retrieve your mail, simply use your key to unlock the storage area door.”
“The Oasis Locking Mailbox is the solution for mail and small parcel security in residential, commercial and municipal applications. It’s patented hopper door allows for delivery of mail bundles and small parcels.”
“Made entirely of aluminum, Salsbury U.S.P.S. approved 4300 series roadside mailboxes feature both a front and rear access locking door. Available in a black, white, green or silver powder coated finish, each unit includes an outgoing mail tray, a lock with two (2) keys on each door (keyed alike) and an adjustable red signal flag. Mail is deposited through a non-locking access panel on the front.”
It is also possible to get wall-mount locking mailboxes and models designed to fit certain historical eras. Of course, you may have to look a little harder, but security mailboxes are available in a wide variety of designs and styles.
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Tags: identity theft, locking mailbox, mailboxes, security mailbox
2 Responses to “Locking Mailbox Helps Prevent Mail Theft and Identity Theft”
Great article on an extremely important topic! A security mailbox is a wise investment to protect yourself from mail theft and identity fraud.
By Erin on May 22, 2009
Great article. However, one VERY important thing to note is that many ‘locking mailboxes’ offer only an illusion of security but really can be broken into with a screwdriver or crowbar (some even by hand!) in just seconds.
This is a major problem, because the homeowner thinks their mail is more safe and may leave their mail longer than otherwise, and thieves know this and exploit these faux-security ‘locking’ mailboxes. With the Oasis shown, for example, an average man can reach his arm into the box and grab the contents from the inside, without a key!
With the epidemic of identity theft Homeowners need to invest in protecting their mail and identities. But most locking mailboxes are not worth their weight in junk mail. A few good ones out there are (1) The Fort Knox (2) The Armadillo (3) The Mail Boss.
Homeowners should look for a heavy gauge steel (not aluminum or plastic) locking mailbox with a heavy-duty anty pry locking mechanism, not just a popcorn cam and lock.
By MailBoss on Jul 1, 2009