Mail slots are an integral part of every household that quite often gets vandalized. Intruders can slip wires or hooks to unlock the front doors and gain access to the household. Think about it, technically a mail slot is just a covered hole in your door that many burglars can take advantage of.
In this guide, we will show proven methods on how to make your mail slot burger-proof and avoid any possible break-in.
Methods to burglar-proof your mail slot
1. Install a reliable mail slot cover
The first line of defense is to reduce the risk of attracting a burglar by installing a mail slot cover. You can go to your local hardware store and get a thick metallic mail slot cover, install it over the slot and use screws to secure it in place.
Additionally, you may purchase special mail slot covers online (such as on Amazon), all you have to do is read the reviews and purchase one that is reliable.
By using a cover, you ensure that the inside and the outside of the mail slot are secure from any prying intruder. The house is less likely to be vandalized if the burglars notice the thick metallic mail cover.
Another perk of using mail slot covers: you will increase the cooling and heating efficiency of your house. You can add an insulation layer around the cover and make it tight.
2. Install a secure box
Mail slots are already outdated and rudimentary. There are more secure options that increase the security of your house.
One of such solutions is Durabox which is installed inside the door and has the ability to hold the mail inside the locked box. It cannot tamper at all and the mail is secure. If an intruder tries to snake a wire with the slot, it won’t work because the slot is completely closed.
3. Install a second deadbolt to reinforce the door
Obviously, a mail slot hole in the door will weaken the door’s structural integrity. For that reason, it’s recommended to install a second deadbolt to reinforce the door and make it harder for intruders to break in.
When installing a second deadbolt, keep in mind these tips: first, install the new deadbolt on the same line as the mail slot.
Second, place it on a spot that can’t be reached if someone sticks his hand through the mail slot. Lastly, purchase a deadbolt from a reputable manufacturer with good feedback.
The deadbolts are not that difficult to install, you can either read the instructions that come with it or check out youtube videos.
There are a lot of deadbolt solutions that you can choose from including the more traditional ones with keys, to more advanced ones with keypads. Additionally, you may consider a smart lock that allows you to open and close the door using your phone (locally or even remotely).
4. Reposition the mail slot away from the knob
Normally, the mail slot should not be in line with the doorknob. Someone can fish a wire or something and reach the knob easily and undo the lock.
If the current mail slot placement makes it easy for someone to reach the doorknob, consider repositioning it to a more favorable spot. Ensure that it’s out of the racing distance from any intruder.
5. Install a mail slot hood
Another suggestion is to install a mail slot hood that can be purchased online (such as in here). Usually, mail slot hoods are made of strong metal and provide another layer of protection against any wanna-be intruder. Purchase one online and install it yourself, it’s definitely better to have one than not.
6. Use an air vent diverter
You can even use a regular air vent diverter to limit the actions that an intruder can take via the mail slot. These diverters are cheap, shatterproof, and super easy to install.
Purchase one online and place it at the top of the mail slot (inside the door). If a burglar tries to reach their hands (or wires, hooks), the diverter will block such movements.
7. Upgrade the door
Let’s be honest, doors with mail slots are outdated and no one installs them in new constructions. Having a hole in your door is a security risk and many burglars take advantage of it.
In some cases, it’s better to change the old door with the newer ones that have no mail slots at all. According to US statistics, around 35% of break-ins in houses are done through the front door. Why would you cheap out on such a crucial part of your home security?
Avoid choosing a new door with a mail slot. It’s too easy for someone to stick their hand or use a wire to open a lock. It’s also important to choose a door with shatterproof glass so someone can’t smash their way into your home.
Nowadays you can find security doors at affordable prices that are able to resist kicks, prying, fire, etc. You can get one at your local Home Depot or hire a company to have it installed for you. However, it’s not that difficult to install it yourself, just ensure you have a helper since it can’t be done all by yourself.
Other ways to increase the security of your front door
Here are some other tips that you can do to increase the strength and the overall security of your main door. As we said, 35% of all the break-ins are committed using the front door.
Use a camera system
One of the best decisions you can take is installing a camera system to protect your house, especially focusing on the main door.
A camera installed on the front door creates a deterrent factor (the intruder will see it and get scared off, or at least think twice before striking). Some recommended camera systems are listed here.
Moreover, the camera can be motion detection which means if motion is detected it can send an alert to your phone or even have a siren sound. If someone loiters in front of your door, you’ll get notified immediately and act accordingly.
Other suggestions include using a smart lock for the main door which will document any activity as well, plus add another layer of security.
Additionally, you may have an alarm system installed and any time there’s a break-in, the central system will notify and dispatch the police immediately to your house.
Place bright lighting at the front entrance
It’s recommended to have the front door area well lit and we all know that burglars feel more comfortable when it’s dark.
If your front door has a bright light, then the wanna-be intruders will be more cautious to strike your house. At least, they will think twice.
The same logic can be applied to windows, other entry points, or dark corners where people may lurk. Basically, the more well-lit your perimeter, the stronger the overall security of your household. The lights can be automatic and they’ll turn on when motion is detected.
Reinforce your door
Additionally, you can reinforce your door, you can add stronger hinges, reinforce the frame, change the door, etc. Inspect the door and see what makes it weak, get into an intruder’s shoes and think how you’d break-in.
