While identity theft is making all the headlines, vandalism is another occurrence homeowners must factor in when considering the purchase of a mailbox. Vandalism comes in many different forms. But, by far the most common outcropping is mail theft.

This is closely followed by mail destruction – usually in the form of fires set inside the mailbox – and mail defacing accomplished by placing something undesirable inside the mailbox with the mail and leaving you with unsavory cleanup duty.

Generally only found in rural areas where they are by the side of the thoroughfare, those who favor a sturdy mailbox have found taking hints from rural customers is actually a great idea.

Although the usual commercial plastic and even the occasional aluminum is much more commonly seen in the everyday city landscape, when only a sturdy mailbox will do, rural consumers have a leg up on the rest of the population.

The kind of mail boxyou will find at an apartment building – be it a large 400 unit complex or simply a smaller bungalow property – is usually a generic commercial receptacle. It has no frills and although more often than not it actually locks, these locks cannot be considered security locks by a long shot. Anyone with a crudely made passkey or even a hairpin stands a good chance of getting into your mail. Renters beware!

Decorative mailboxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most are sanctioned by the United States Post Office and while there are a few of those that are a bit iffy, most mail carriers are willing to work around the personal taste of the box’s owner. A new twist that is hitting the market for decorative mailboxes are those which light up – and they are quickly becoming all the rage!

It is a sad testament to the times that homeowners must now fear not only thieves and home invasion robbers but also those who would steal their mail and subsequently also their identities for personal gain. In response, Rubbermaid plastic weather and vandalism resistant mailboxes are seeking to provide concerned mail recipients with mail receptacles that are safe, functional, sturdy, and nonetheless aesthetically pleasing.

It is stomach wrenching to know that in the year 2007 alone there were 8.4 million victims of identity theft. Within the United States it is estimated that each year there is a heart stopping 9 million people to have their identity stolen.

As identity theft cases are on the rise each year, protecting ourselves is a must. We are more cautious about what pieces of our mail we allow into the trash. We consistently shred bills and other private documents.

We do not dare provide personal details over the phone or online. As we take these precautions there is one method of protection that is not new but is proven to reduce identity theft.

The dangers of identity theft are real and the risk is great. You may become a victim simply by a person driving up to your mailbox and taking your mail. They then take your name and build a false life around it. They can apply for credit cards, loans and begin to make purchases all under your name.

Hand in hand with the growing problem of identity theft are the businesses that spring up surrounding the phenomenon. At times they may be selling tangible goods that will serve to safeguard your personal information. At other times they offer something akin to an insurance policy that will fiscally reimburse you if any of your personal information is misused and you suffer loss as a result. Should you pay for identity theft protection such as this or is that overkill?

As you drive down the country road, you notice the occasional mailbox that seems to be interspersed with lush vegetation or old trees. Usually found at the beginning of a driveway, you notice that while many of these kinds of boxes feature whimsical designs, hand painted names, and in some cases are artistically incorporated into the landscape, they all have one thing in common: they lock. While this may a somewhat novel concept to many a city dweller, it is a stark requirement in rural areas.