A lockbox (also known as a key safe) is a straightforward solution for keeping a spare set of house keys in a convenient location. It's essentially a secure, locked box that is mounted to one of the exterior walls of your home, accessed by a combination lock. If you need to let visitors inside when you might not be at home, or if you have an unfortunate habit of losing your keys on a regular basis, a lockbox can be a great solution for you. But how secure is this solution?
An Obvious Location
At face value, having the means to enter your home in an obvious location might not seem all that safe. But the level of security can be dependent on the quality of the lockbox, in conjunction with the professionalism of the installation. A well made and properly installed lockbox can be almost exhaustively secure, meaning that it would be less effort for a potential intruder to force your front door open as opposed to retrieving the keys from within the lockbox.
Hidden in Plain Sight
The lockbox should be hidden in plain sight. To break into one can be extremely labour-intensive, requiring specialist, heavy duty tools. The necessity to do this in a location that can easily be seen from the street or by your neighbours would be in itself a significant deterrent to any potential burglar. If you wish to offset the obviousness of a lockbox, you might wish to have it installed next to the electricity meter or circuit box on the exterior of your home. At a glance, it would just look like part of the system. It's in plain sight, and yet is hidden.
Selection and Installation
Choosing the right lockbox is also an important part of how secure the overall result is. Opt for something durable, and while this can be difficult to gauge, the price and user reviews of the unit can be indicative of its durability. You could overcome any trepidation by have a locksmith supply and install the lockbox. You will then know that it has been securely mounted to your home and is of a type that the locksmith has vetted. Go with a lockbox that allows you to periodically change the combination for additional security.
Even though the location of your spare set of house keys might be obvious, a lockbox isn't going to diminish the security of your home. For more information, contact companies like Commercial Locksmiths.
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