Most mailboxes either have a door or simple slot through which mail can be deposited. Both of these designs have a number of shortcomings when it comes to security. Obviously, the most traditional mailboxes don't even require a key to access. Those that are limited to a slot can be busted open or sometimes have an opening that is large enough to reach inside. When it comes to packages, both fail miserably, forcing many postal workers to leave deliveries at the doorstep.

One of the most common forms of fraud in the United States is identity theft, and mailbox security is typically at the center of the problem. Thieves steal key pieces of personal information such as names, birth dates, and social security numbers in order to take over those individuals' credit or bank accounts. Most victims have no idea they were targets until after the damage is done, and the damage can be considerable. In 1997, the Secret Service estimated that $745 million was lost due to identity theft.

One of the major means by which thieves acquire the personal details of a person's life is by stealing mail. Thankfully, there are some simple steps individuals can take to stop thieves from stealing mail from them. One of the most basic steps is a secure mailbox. Mailboxes should not be accessible to the general public, if you wish to keep your mail safe.