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in a Locking Mailbox
Notice:
The discount program that MSIC has negotiated with two locking mailbox
vendors expired on December 31, 2004. Although the discount is not
available after this date the need for a locking mailbox remains
high, as we continue to receive reports of mail theft in our area.
A variety of locking boxes in many price ranges can be obtained
by shopping on the Web or visiting local retailers.
Why
is MSIC promoting locking mailboxes?
The best way to crack this crime in Montclair is to prevent it,
and locking mailboxes have proven to be strong deterrents. A community
full of locking mailbox sends a very strong message to mail thieves
that we’re not worth their while.
Why
did MSIC endorse two locking boxes instead of more choices?
MSIC is not “endorsing” any manufacturer’s box. Residents are encouraged
to check out all the options available and select the locking box
that best meets their needs. The two manufacturers we worked with
in 2003-2004, Oregon Trail Box and Mailguard, offered locking boxes
that were a good value as we obtained significant discounts from
their normal Internet prices. The manufacturers of these boxes also
agreed to rebate $5.00 of the purchase price to the MSIC to help
us fund publicity efforts on this important subject. That program
is now over, but these boxes are still a great value at their normal
Internet prices. You can check out their Web sites at:
Why is the provision for handling
outgoing mail so marginal in some of these locking boxes?
The USPS and the MSIC highly recommend that NO outgoing
mail be put in a residential mailbox for pick-up; the chances of
mail theft are too great, especially if you raise the red flag.
We recommend using USPS collection boxes on the streets or at the
Post Office for all outgoing mail. At the very minimum, don’t raise
the flag if you have outgoing mail in your box; the USPS will pick
up mail even if the flag is not raised.
What
if I lose the key to my box?
All locking boxes come with at least two keys. It is recommended
a spare key be made and stored in a safe place. If you do lose all
keys, a good locksmith can either replace the lock or provide a
new key. Manufacturers in some cases can sell you a new lock with
keys. Mailguard is one.
What
about a locking box with a “smart-lock” feature?
Smart-lock is a mechanical device that allows you to lock
your box but permits it to be opened one time after you do so, which
permits the USPS to deliver your mail. When they close the door
it is locked to all but you, using your key. The disadvantage, of
course, is someone else could open the door before the USPS arrives,
and defeat the carrier’s ability to deliver your mail. Or, if you
check for mail before it has been delivered you have to reset the
lock.
Is
there a way to put a locking front on my existing mailbox?
Yes. One unit, called the Lock' n Mailbox Door, is available
on the Internet at http://www.bagbutler.net/prod02.htm.
There may be others.
How
far can one go in designing and building their own locking box?
USPS regulations state that a custom-built box “must generally
meet the same standards as approved manufactured boxes for flag,
size, strength and quality of construction.” Construction standards
for manufactured boxes are available through USPS Engineering.
How
can a group of neighbors mount a series of locking boxes on one
post?
Posts
with spreaders that can hold up to four locking boxes are available
from a number of mailbox manufacturers. You can also install your
own posts and spreaders using pressure-treated or weather-protected
lumber. Installing the post(s), spreaders and boxes can be a great
neighbor-gathering activity and sends a message to would-be thieves
that you are looking out for each other in all areas of crime prevention.
What
standards apply to replacing our current box?
Every curbside mailbox must bear the following address
information:
- A box number,
if used, inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals
at least 1 inch high on the side of the box visible to the carrier’s
regular approach, or on the door if boxes are grouped.
- A house number
if street names and house numbers have been assigned by local
authorities, and the postmaster authorizes their use as a postal
address. If the box is on a different street from the customer’s
residence, the street name and house number must be inscribed
on the box.
- The mailbox
may bear the owner’s name, but the Mail Theft Task Team does not
recommend this—it’s one more way for criminals to have information
you don’t want them to have.
As to the door slot:
- A mailbox
with a lock must have a slot that is large enough to accommodate
the customer’s normal daily mail volume. The USPS neither
opens a locked box nor accepts a key for this purpose.
- The
clear rectangular opening in the outside slot plate must be
at least 1-1/2 inches wide and 7 inches long.
- When
an inside hood is used to provide greater privacy, the hooded
portion must not be below the bottom line of the slot in the
outside plate if placed horizontally, or beyond the side line
of the slot in the outside plate nearest the hinge edge of
the door if placed vertically.
- The
hood at its greatest projection must not be less than 2-1/16
inches beyond the inside face of the door.
- The
bottom of the slot must be at least 30 inches above the finished
floor line.
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