Letterbox Security and Protection UK¶
Stop thieves fishing keys, documents, and packages through your letterbox with these proven measures.
Letterbox Fishing - How It Works and How to Stop It¶
Letterbox fishing - using a hooked wire or tape through the flap to grab keys - accounts for 8 % of all burglaries in England and Wales, according to ONS data. The simplest fix is a letterbox cage (Yale, from £14.99) that fits on the interior side and prevents anything being hooked. A brush-type seal (Sto , £8.99) restricts access while reducing drafts. If you have a cat flap next to the letterbox, relocate or secure it - thieves use both openings together. Never leave keys on a hallway table within arm's reach of the flap.
Reinforcing Your Letterbox Against Forced Entry¶
Vulnerable flaps can be forced open with a crowbar. Upgrade to a steel security letterbox plate (ERA, £24.99) that bolts through the door and resists prying. The Letterbox Buddy (£34.99) is a British-designed internal guard that locks with a key when you are out. For parcels, a parcel drop box (Parceluxe, £149.99) allows secure delivery. Replace single-glazed transom panels above the door with reinforced glass or polycarbonate (8 mm sheet from £25). Secured by Design recommends that letterbox openings never exceed 260 mm x 50 mm.
Specifications and Comparison¶
| Solution | Prevention Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Letterbox cage | Fishing prevention | £14.99 - £24.99 |
| Brush seal | Fishing + drafts | £8.99 - £15.99 |
| Steel security plate | Forced entry | £24.99 - £49.99 |
| Parcel drop box | Package theft | £149.99 |
FAQ¶
- What is letterbox fishing?
- A thief uses a hooked wire through the flap to grab keys or valuables placed nearby.
- Do brush seals stop fishing?
- Partially - they resist hooks, but a cage is the only 100 % effective solution.
- Can I put my letterbox on the wall instead?
- Yes - a wall-mounted mail slot removes the door opening entirely; installation from £50. For more information see our Burglary Prevention Tips for UK Homes.
Last updated: 2026-05-31.
Related Guides¶
External Resources¶
For further information consult authority guidelines at the British Standards Institution (BSI).