Brazen mail thieves are all over the news these days. From thieves getting their hands on a mailbox master key to thieves stealing Amazon packages off the porch, you just might be wondering how to keep your mail safe these days. Luckily, there’s a whole bunch of high-tech and even some low-tech gadgets that can help keep your mail safe. Whether it’s a mailbox or your front porch, read on to find out how to keep your deliveries safe and sound from prying hands.
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1) Mailbox sensors
Add a sensor to your mailbox so you are alerted if anyone opens your mailbox
A user over on the Wyze forums showed us how he used a Wyze motion sensor and attached it to his mailbox. After installing the Wyze motion detector, the user gets alerts whenever his mailbox opens. Luckily, he only had to use it to monitor his deliveries, but he says in the post that he set it up to monitor burglaries. If you want to add a sensor to your mailbox, here’s how to do it.
Materials you’ll need
- Wyze Hub and Motion Sensor
- Adhesive strips (usually included for attaching the sensor)
- Smartphone with the Wyze app installed (iPhone or Android)
Set up the Wyze Hub (if you don’t have one already)
- Open the Wyze app on your phone. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Log in to your Wyze account or create a new one if you don’t have an account.
- In the app, tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to add a new device.
- Select “Device” under where it says Add
- Then click Sensors
- Then, choose “Wyze Sense Hub” from the list of devices.
- Plug your Wyze Hub into a power source and your router. Then, click Next.
- Raise the two antennas. Then, click Next.
- Allow Bluetooth access. Then, tap Okay.
- Allow “Wyze” to find Bluetooth devices by clicking Allow.
- Allow location by clicking Okay.
- The app will search for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your home Wi-Fi, enter your password, and connect to the hub.
- Once connected, the app will prompt you to name the hub and assign it to a location.
- Complete the setup process by briefly pressing the reset button on the back of your HUB. Then, click the square box next to where it says, “Ready to connect.” Then, click Next.
- Then, it will search for your Hub.
Pair the Motion Sensor with the Wyze Hub
- Open the Wyze app and go to the “Devices” tab.
- Click on Add Device or the “+” icon, then select Sensor from the list of available devices.
- Follow the instructions in the app to pair the sensor with the Wyze Hub. You’ll likely need to press a button on the sensor during this process.
Mount the sensor on the mailbox
- Use adhesive strips (usually included) to attach the Wyze Motion Sensor inside your mailbox. Position it near the mailbox door so it will detect motion when the door is opened. Make sure the sensor is not blocked by any metal surfaces (like the mailbox walls), as it may interfere with its signal. If your mailbox is metal, consider using a small piece of foam tape or spacer to avoid direct contact.
Adjust settings in the app
- Open the Wyze app on your mobile device.
- Click Home in the bottom left of the screen.
- Tap Devices and the device for which you want to adjust the settings.
- Tap the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Tap Notifications.
- Toggle on next to where it says Notifications so its green.
Test the system
- After the installation, test the sensor by opening and closing the mailbox door.
- You should receive a notification on your phone every time motion is detected.
Have a professional install the sensors
If you don’t think you’re handy enough to install a motion sensor yourself, don’t worry. Vivint makes it easy with its mailbox alarm sensors. Best of all, Vivint offers professional installation, so if you don’t feel comfortable with the DIY approach, Vivint can handle the setup for you. These sensors sound an alarm whenever a mailbox opens, and Vivint sends a notification to your smartphone through the Vivint app.
In addition to having motion sensors, it’s also a smart idea to position a camera on your mailbox so that in the event of a burglary, you have a clear view of who did it and what happened. This can help you file a police report and hopefully get some of that important mail back in your hands.
2) Armored mailbox
Protect your mailbox from hammers, bats, and screwdrivers
Have you ever had your mailbox knocked off its post? It’s an infuriating incident and one that will force you to put up a new mailbox. Instead of getting another plastic or tin mailbox, why not go for an armored mailbox? For just a little over $100, you can invest in this double-welded steel mailbox. This mailbox is pre-approved by the USPS, so all you have to do is set it up out of the box, and you’re good to go. There’s a door at the top where your mail comes that’s large enough for medium-sized packages, and it can’t be pried open.
If the door mechanism on the Mail Boss 7506 looks too small for your packages, check out this armored mailbox from Architectural Mailboxes, the 6700Z-10. This mailbox is also constructed from steel and features a keyed door that accepts mail, but it is a little bit bigger than the mailbox from Mail Boss. Installation is simple, as detailed instructions and all of the necessary hardware and tools are included with the mailbox.
While the other two options are great, secure mailboxes, if you want something that looks a little more classic, check out another mailbox from Architectural Mailboxes, the 6300B-10. The 6300-B is a classic black mailbox with a red flag that is constructed with galvanized steel, helping it withstand even the hardest of impacts.
3) Remove yourself from the internet
Don’t let scammers get your address to send junk mail.
With so much of our data available online from data brokers for advertising purposes, it’s no surprise that junk mail rates have increased over the past two decades. What I find the most disconcerting about this is how frequently my address is shared around. Luckily, it is possible to scrub yourself from the internet. You can do this in a few different ways, but the best way is to invest in a removal service such as Incogni, which routinely removes your personal information
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4) Know what mail is coming
Credit: USPS
Informed Delivery from USPS
Informed Delivery is a great service offered by the USPS that offers you a digital preview of your mail. This lets you know what’s coming into your mailbox before it even reaches you and helps you track what you should be receiving. Informed Delivery is great if you have an important check coming in the mail, an important package from overseas, or anything that you would want to be able to check with a neighbor.
We have a great article that Kurt did about how to sign up for Informed Delivery from the USPS to get a more informed mail experience if you want to follow a guide. The process isn’t too complicated, and you just need to sign up with the USPS beforehand and set up how you want to receive notifications about your incoming mail.
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5) How Vivint’s security system can watch over your mailbox
When it comes to protecting your mail from brazen thieves, Vivint’s security system has got you covered. By adapting their outdoor cameras and motion sensors, you can easily monitor your mailbox area. This means you’ll get instant alerts if anything suspicious happens, giving you peace of mind and keeping your deliveries safe. It’s a simple yet effective way to add an extra layer of security to your home.
Kurt’s key takeaways
These five tips can help you fight against mail thieves without too much investment upfront. The mailboxes we highlighted are the most expensive thing in this article, but with their secure construction, it’s a one-time payment. Smart apps and security cameras often cost subscriptions, but we think it’s worth paying for peace of mind.
What measures do you currently take, or plan to take, to enhance the security of your mail and packages at home? Let us know below in the comments.
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