individual locked mailboxes

Started by JackieB • 10 replies • 1429 views

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JackieB (California)
Posts: 198

Posted:

we have 140 homes, and 140 same mailboxes. We replaced them last year. Recently an HO had some mail stolen and now wants a locked box. She mentioned that she will look for one similiar to our news ones. When we
researched the boxes before purchasing, the USPO said they wouldn't open
individual ones and the only option was the block of locked ones, like seen
in Apt. or Condos. I am curious how each of you would handle this. Thanks
Jackie

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

Are your mailboxes individual mailboxes in front of each home?

JackieB (California)
Posts: 198

Posted:

yes

MichaelK11 (Texas)
Posts: 432

Posted:

You are speaking of sealed, locked boxes, where the postal delivery carrier must open them with a key to insert mail.

You can get locking mailboxes with slots; mail can be inserted, but it must be opened with a key to remove the mail.

Does that suit the homeowner's needs?

There are many variations of this, with different levels of complexity and security.

Someone is also selling a mailbox door that is installed inside the door that comes with the mailbox and locks when you close it. You can leave it open for the mailman, who can close it after inserting mail. You have to depend on your carrier to close the secondary, locking door.

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Jackie,

IMO, this is an issue between the h/o and the USPS. The only thing the board should be interested in is making certain the new mailbox conforms to all the other mailboxes, if that is even a requirement and to also inform this h/o that a new mailbox would be at her expense. Frankly I don't know that a locked box is 100% secure. I've heard of break ins of the "locked boxes". We have this type in our community; a key is required to open the h/o's box and the mail carrier has a key to open the back to insert the mail.

TracieS (Colorado)
Posts: 460

Posted:

The multi-boxes (we have them in our association) are NOT attractive at all. We don't care, but more upscale associations probably would. I also can't imagine that your owners would like to walk a fair distance from their homes to retrieve their mail. The multi-boxes are USUALLY located pretty close to the entrance of an association. We're only 19 units, so we have two multi-boxes, and they're pretty centrally located for us.

I don't know about other "installed in the house" options.

Still, though, even with the multi-box, it can't be THAT difficult to steal mail... The Post Office has "stickers" on the multi-boxes that tell us to retrieve our mail everyday because "thieves want your mail!"

I'm guessing not much short of a PO box is going to make someone happy if the items stolen from the mailbox wound up as identity theft...

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Jackie as long as the mail carrier can get the mail into the box without unlocking it and it's USPS certified they don't care. The question is can the H/O find one that meets your ACC requirements.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

JackieB (California)
Posts: 198

Posted:

Do you have any idea where to connect with "door inside" vendor?

MichaelK11 (Texas)
Posts: 432

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JackieB on 09/03/2009 2:52 PM
Do you have any idea where to connect with "door inside" vendor?

It's probably not available in your area. Sorry; I shouldn't have posted for general interest (idle curiosity). Nonetheless, here is the link: http://www.mailboxsafety.com/

A locking insert would probably suit your needs just as well. Most are not USPS approved (which means it's up to the postmaster and carrier if they want to use it). Someone recently posted this link to one that is approved: http://www.budgetmailboxes.com/imperial-mailbox-locking-insert.html

Large envelopes may not fit through the slot, so may be left on top of the insert within the mailbox.

JackieB (California)
Posts: 198

Posted:

Thanks for the website.......will check it out.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Like Mary said, this is an issue between the USPS and the homeowner. The board's role is to see compliancy in size, color and style only.

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