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6 Ways To Keep Your Multi-tenant Mailbox Secure

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A row of grey, multi-tenant cluster mailboxes on a sidewalk with lots of green grass in the background.

Operating a multi-tenant residence or facility, whether it’s an apartment complex or an office building, requires certain demands on you the property owner. One big requirement is to provide a place where tenants can receive their mail and know that their mail is secure until they are able to collect it. Theft of both property and identity is on the rise. Therefore, it’s unwise to offer your tenants unsecured cluster mailboxes. Unattended boxes can also experience unsightly vandalism. Here are six ways to keep your multi-tenant mailbox secure.

Install Secure Mailboxes

Of course, the best way to secure your mailboxes is by investing in top-of-the-line cluster mailboxes that feature high-quality construction, theft-proof locks, and weather-resistant materials, such as stainless steel. Recessed locks and mailbox doors resist theft attempts and damage from tools and blunt objects. Make sure the boxes you buy are United States Post Office-approved.

Install a Surveillance System

Install security cameras and motion-activated lights around the mailbox unit. This surveillance system can deter community mailbox vandalism and casual thieves looking for an easy score. You’ll also have evidence ready for the police and insurance purposes if someone does try to break in.

Anti-Theft Devices

Many cluster mailboxes may have anti-theft devices that further discourage or dissuade thieves from breaking in. Mail slot restrictors prevent potential attempts to fish the mail out with wires, hangers, or similar makeshift devices. Alram systems also serve to sound off and scare away would-be thieves—some send a notice to the property owner via an app.

Tenant Education

The best line of defense is educating your tenants about watching out for one another’s mail, retrieving mail right away, and keeping you and the authorities notified about suspicious individuals. Shared vigilance goes a long way toward protecting each other and each other’s mail.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Keep an eye on your cluster mailboxes. Incorporate watching for damage and break-in attempts into your best practices. Look for signs of tampering and immediately repair or replace damaged units. Showing signs of weakness just encourages thieves and vandals to return.

Provide Package Options

Packages are extremely tempting to thieves. Help your local and national mail carriers secure your tenants’ packages that don’t fit into traditional mail slots by providing lockers or an off-site place where they may stow the parcels until your tenants can pick them up.

Those are just six ways to keep your multi-tenant mailbox secure. Consult your local post office for more ways to protect your mailboxes!