Burglary – Letterbox Burglary in Winchester
Letterbox Burglary – When it comes to home security in Winchester, the front door should always be your top priority. It’s the most common entry point for burglars, and unfortunately, many properties still have vulnerable door setups. If you’re unsure whether your front door is secure, it’s time to take action.
The best way to make sure your entrance is properly protected is by calling Locksmith Winchester. We offer professional front door lock upgrades, including British Standard locks, fitted to the highest standards.
But while most people think about locks and alarms, many overlook a simple yet serious vulnerability—the letterbox.
What Is Letterbox Burglary?
Let’s break it down. Letterbox burglary, also known as fishing burglary, refers to criminals using your letterbox to reach inside your property. This can involve:
- Unlocking the door by accessing the internal handle or thumbturn.
- Stealing keys, wallets, handbags, or even car keys left nearby.
- Using improvised tools like sticks, rods, or wires to grab valuable items.
The concerning part? Burglars using this method often don’t need to force entry or even damage your locks. It’s a silent and quick way in—especially if you live in areas like Winchester, Romsey, or nearby villages where detached and semi-detached homes are common.
How to Prevent Letterbox Burglary
If you want to improve your door security in Winchester, consider the following tips:
1. Don’t Leave Valuables in Sight
Stand outside your front door and look through your letterbox. Can you see keys, post, or a hallway table with a bag or wallet? If so, move these items out of view. Consider storing valuables upstairs or in a drawer. This small habit makes a big difference in preventing letterbox theft.
2. Fit a Letterbox with a Draught Excluder
A draught-excluding letterbox flap not only improves energy efficiency but also blocks the view into your hallway. It adds a level of visual security, especially at night when lights are on indoors.
If you’re in Winchester or surrounding areas, Locksmith Winchester can supply and install secure letterboxes designed with this feature in mind.
3. Install a Letterbox Restrictor
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is a letterbox restrictor. This device prevents the flap from opening wide enough to allow hands or tools inside. It’s a low-cost, easy-to-fit security measure that significantly reduces the risk of letterbox burglary.
Ask us about letterbox restrictors if you’re booking a home security inspection in Winchester.
4. Consider Removing the Letterbox
This may sound like an extreme measure, but in some properties, removing the door-mounted letterbox and installing a wall-mounted or gate-mounted post box is entirely feasible. It eliminates the risk of fishing burglary altogether.
While this may not suit all homes, it’s a serious solution for those living in more isolated areas or with particularly vulnerable entryways.
Summary: Winchester Homeowners – Stay One Step Ahead
If you’re a homeowner in Winchester, Kings Worthy, Colden Common, or Twyford, taking a few proactive steps now can save you stress later. Letterbox burglary is quick, quiet, and surprisingly common—but also preventable with the right precautions.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Upgrade your letterbox or fit a restrictor.
- Don’t overlook your letterbox during home security checks.
At Locksmith Winchester, we specialise in domestic security solutions, from lock upgrades to burglary prevention measures. For expert advice or to book a home security survey in Winchester, give us a call on 01962 690072.
We’re proud to serve our local community and help you protect what matters most.
