Unfortunately, mail theft is becoming very common in the United States today. There was a time when you could leave your mail on your doorstep without having to worry about anybody taking it, but those days are gone.
If you are somebody who receives a lot of deliveries, then it’s essential that you take steps to secure them. Even if you have not had anything stolen from you as of yet, that’s not to say that you won’t in the future.
This post will tell you what you can do to make sure that your mail is safe and secure.
Secure Mailbox
One of the most effective ways of keeping your mail safe is to invest in a mailbox. Ideally, you should buy one of the latest models of locking mailboxes, so your mail is extra secure. A locked mailbox will stop anybody who doesn’t have permission from getting hold of your mail. Make sure that the mailbox you buy is made from heavy metal. If your mailbox is made from plastic or tin, then a determined thief will still be able to get it.
Enclosed Porch
A lot of people’s porches in the United States are open. However, an open porch just makes it easier for people on the street to see what’s on your doorstep. If you receive a lot of mail, then building an enclosed porch will stop people from being able to see your doorstep. If people can’t see what’s there then they won’t be tempted to come up and check, in case they get caught. Enclosed porches can be very affordable to build and can look great. You usually don’t need a building permit or planning permission of any kind to build an enclosed porch.
Mail Slot
Instead of using a mailbox (or in addition to a mailbox), you could just install a door that’s got a mail slot on it. In Europe, doors with mail slots are very common. In the United States, they are not as common, mainly because they let in cold air and aren’t ideal for houses in cold regions. You will need to install a brand new door if you want a mail slot, though. Some people cut rectangles in their doors, but that’s not a good idea, especially if you are not a skilled carpenter. It’s easy to make mistakes when working with wood.
Installing Cameras
Another highly effective way of protecting your mail and deterring theft is to set cameras up, i.e., doorbell cameras or security cameras. The problem with doorbell cameras is that a lot of people don’t know they are there, so they do not serve as a deterrent. If you are going to use them then make sure that you put up a sign telling people they’re being filmed. When people know that they are on camera, they are significantly less likely to commit any kind of crime.
You need to take steps to protect your mail, especially if you order from online catalogs a lot. If somebody finds out you receive a lot of mail and don’t protect it, they could target you on a regular basis. You can use this post’s guidance to take better care of your deliveries.
