Letterbox burglary: What is it and how to prevent it?
We all know how important it is to safeguard your front entrance because it is the most common route for criminals to gain access to your home. Most individuals are also aware that hiring a local locksmith to install sturdy, dependable Standard locks is the best way to go. However, fewer people will be aware of the possible security risks posed by their seemingly harmless letterbox.
What is it?
When a thief utilises a letterbox on the front door to either break into a residence or steal the keys to an automobile parked outside the property, this is known as letterbox burglary. They’ll either put their hand through the letterbox and reach up to try to open the door from the inside, or they’ll use a fishing rod with a hook on the end to ‘fish’ for keys that have been left lying around. Both of these tactics can be quite efficient at obtaining access to your property or taking your car fast and silently. This type of burglar doesn’t even need to know how to pick or break a lock to get in.
How to prevent it?
- Never leave your house or car keys out in the open. If you have a front door with glazed panels, this is very crucial. Even if your door is entirely secure, you should check what a possible burglar can see via your mailbox from the outside. Any keys or wallets visible from this view point should be relocated and stored in a secure location.
- Replace your existing letterbox with one that includes a draught excluder. The soft nylon bristles that run around the gap’s edge help in two ways. They do two things: one, they keep the warmth in and the cold out, and second, they deter potential robbers from seeing through the gap and into your home.
- Purchase and install an anti-burglar letterbox. The most recent types of anti-vandal, anti-snap letterboxes have undergone extensive testing to ensure that they meet the most stringent security requirements.
- A letterbox restrictor should be installed. These simple but effective devices are simple to install and work by limiting the amount of opening of the inner flap. Hands or rods cannot be pushed or manoeuvred through your letterbox as a result of this.
- Remove your letterbox entirely and replace it with an exterior mailbox. Because of the expense, this will not be practical for most people, but it may be worth considering if you are going to replace your front door soon.
Burglars, unfortunately, are continuously looking for new and simple ways to get access to your home. It’s critical to stay on top of all aspects of your home security to avoid being harmed as a result of their next shady scheme.
Patriot Locksmiths are expert locksmith services provider in Venice. Our locksmiths have years of industry experience and are trained for any kind of locksmith job. Our services include residential locksmith services Venice apart from other locksmith services. Call us at 941-300-1797 to know more about our services.