Lock boxes are generally used to store keys outside of your home or vehicle. There are a ton of different types, and within those types, plenty of different models. The best option for you will depend on your specific situation and preferences.
Types of lock boxes
There are two types of lock boxes; portable car-mounted lockboxes, and wall-mounted lock boxes.
Wall-mounted options are typically used to store a set of spare keys on an exterior wall of your property. This is a good option for those selling their home, as they can give the combination to their real estate agent, allowing them to show the property to clients while you’re away. It’s also a good idea for vacation homes or Airbnb rentals, so you don’t have to be there to grant your guests access to the house.
Car-mounted solutions are most often used by outdoorsy types to secure their keys during activities like swimming or climbing, when they can’t hold onto them.
There are also options like fake rocks and pot-plants that are less secure, but a little more budget friendly. These diversion safes can’t really be considered “lock boxes” because they don’t have a locking mechanism, but they serve the same purpose as traditional lock boxes. There are also portable options like fake water bottles or sunscreen bottles that you can store your keys and valuables in if you leave your stuff at a front desk, or on the beach while you swim.
Are lock boxes safe?
Although they can be handy, lock boxes actually make your property more vulnerable to burglary. You can find models that are more secure than others, but having a lock box pretty much highlights an obvious route of access to your home to burglars, as well as indicating that the property may be empty most of the time.
While the risk may be worthwhile for Airbnb hosts or for a holiday house that contains less valuables and personal items, it’s hardly worthwhile when it comes to your home. Luckily, there are a few safer options for people who are often forgetting their keys or who oftentimes need to grant access to others.
Safer options
For a simple solution, you can keep a spare key at the home of a trusted neighbour, although you may run into problems if they aren’t home when you need them.
Alternatively, you could hide a spare key in a safe place, preferably not on your own property, but nearby enough that you can easily retrieve it.
The safest option, that still solves the same problems as a lock box would (as well as a couple others), is digital locks. You don’t need keys, so you won’t run into the problem of losing your keys. Plus, you can change access codes remotely, so you can give new codes to realtors or guests.
If you want a little more information on digital locks, read more here.
The best options
If you’re still set on buying a lock box, we have a few of the safest options here:
Wall mounted lock boxes
Portable (car mounted) lock boxes
Hiding spots & diversion safes
ISLANDSAFE Pot Plant Diversion Safe
GoPong Sunscreen Diversion Safe
If you’d like to learn more about digital locks, test the security of your lock box, or have smart locks installed, call your local security expert at Hashtag Locksmith today. We come to you; any time, any place.
Hashtag Locksmiths; Perth’s 24/7 Mobile Locksmith.