 
The Key To Mail Box Security By Frank Fourchalk
Here's a solution to help curb mail theft, "Install stronger mail boxes". Canada Post literally holds the key that can make the difference. I'm specifically talking about the postal key that allows the mail person access into the banks of mail boxes. Let's use a new apartment complex as an example.
Here's how it works. The builder of the apartment block purchases the mail box units from a lock wholesale company. Once installed, the builder notifies Canada Post and requests them to install their "postal locks" into the units.
Canada Post does not carry individual mailbox keys. They only hold keys to the postal lock which allows them access to several mail boxes at one time. Once the mail has been loaded into the individual mailboxes, the mail person locks the access door and moves to the next bank of boxes.
With the increasing numbers in mail theft, why isn't Canada Post putting the pressure on the mail box manufacturers to produce a more secure product? All Canada Post has to do is refuse to install their lock into inadequate mail boxes.
If Canada Post refuses to install their lock into a builder's bank of mailboxes because of security deficiencies, the owners will not receive mail delivery. This will force builders to put pressure on the mailbox manufacturers who will then be forced to produce a more secure product to hold your mail..
It wouldn't take the manufacturers long to improve the strength and quality of these boxes if the specs required by Canada Post were upgraded. With the numbers in mail theft increasing, it only makes sense to halt the manufacturing of inadequate mail boxes.
I can't blame new home builders for the deficiencies in the system. They can only purchase what's available and if weak and insecure is the only product available than that's what the homeowner gets. Canada Post has recently changed their old archaic locking system to a newer high security lock made by Assa/Abloy. This was a long time coming to British Columba, but nevertheless a good move.
However to install a good high security lock in a bank of mailboxes that could be opened with a butter knife doesn't make sense. So why doesn't Canada Post demand stronger boxes from the manufacture for the safe keeping of our mail?
There's a simple explanation. Canada Post's only obligation is to deliver the mail. What happens after that is your problem. If a mail thief breaks into the banks of mail boxes after the mail has been delivered.....that's your problem. If the boxes are destroyed..... that's your problem and if your identity is stolen........unfortunately that's your problem.
Canada Post will not accept any responsibility after the mail has been delivered. However it goes without saying that Canada Post is still holding the key to change. A key that could make a difference in tomorrows mail theft statistics.
Upload date:
March 31, 2009 8:57 AM
| 
