How much is a lock box?

Summary of the Article: Lock Boxes and Their Security Features

1. Lock Boxes as Key Safes: Lock boxes, commonly known as key safes, are often advertised for storing low-value items in sheds and other areas. However, they do not provide proven security and can be easily broken into.

2. Lack of Security for High-Risk Properties: For homes and high-risk properties, it is recommended to opt for higher security products such as key safes that offer better protection.

3. Vulnerability to Theft: Lock boxes can be easy targets for house burglars and trespassers. If the combination falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to possible theft.

4. Opening a Lock Box without a Key: It is possible to bypass the mechanism of a lock box by manipulating its actuator directly. This can be done by inserting a tool into the back of the lock and moving the actuator.

5. Purpose of Real Estate Lock Boxes: Real estate lock boxes are used to securely hold the keys to a house that is on the market. They allow communal access for all real estate agents while ensuring the keys are kept safe.

6. Keeping Cash in a Lock Box: Most banks advise against keeping cash in safe deposit boxes, and the FDIC does not provide protection for cash stored outside of bank accounts.

7. Ideal Placement for Lock Boxes: It is recommended to keep lock boxes out of sight from the main road. Suitable places include the side of the house, backyard fence, garden, or the trusted neighbor’s house/apartment.

8. Optimal Placement of Key Lock Boxes: Positioning key lock boxes at a convenient level, such as chest or wheelchair access height, and in well-lit areas can enhance usability and ease of code changing.

9. Vulnerability of Lock Boxes: Many lock boxes are made from materials that cannot withstand impact, making them easy to break into despite being lockable devices.

10. Importance of Higher Security Options: To ensure the safety of valuable items and properties, it is advisable to invest in key safes and security products that offer proven protection.

Unique Questions:

1. Are lock boxes a good idea? Lock boxes, often advertised as key safes, are not recommended for high-risk properties and do not provide proven security.
2. Can a lockbox be stolen? Lockboxes can be easy targets for burglars if the combination falls into the wrong hands, leaving homes vulnerable to theft.
3. Can you open a lock box without a key? Bypassing the mechanism of a lock box is possible by manipulating the actuator directly, using a tool inserted into the back of the lock.
4. Why would a house have a lock box? Real estate lock boxes are used to securely hold keys for houses on the market, allowing communal access for real estate agents while keeping the keys safe.
5. Can you keep cash in a lock box? Banks generally advise against keeping cash in safe deposit boxes, as the FDIC does not protect cash unless it is in a bank account.
6. Where is the best place to put a lock box? Recommended locations for lock boxes include out of sight from the main road, such as the side of the house, backyard fence, garden, or a trusted neighbor’s house/apartment.
7. Where is the best place to put a key lock box? Key lock boxes should ideally be positioned at a convenient height, such as chest or wheelchair access level, with ample natural lighting to enhance usability and ease of code changing.
8. Are lockboxes easy to break into? Despite being lockable devices, many key lock boxes are made from materials that can be easily broken into due to their inability to withstand impact.
9. What security measures can be taken with lock boxes? Opting for high-security products such as key safes is recommended to ensure the safety of valuable items and properties.
10. Can lock boxes be used for storing other items? Lock boxes are primarily designed for storing keys but may be suitable for low-value items in sheds. However, for high-value or important items, alternative security measures should be considered.
11. What alternatives are there to lock boxes for home security? For high-risk properties, investing in advanced security systems, surveillance cameras, and secure safes is advisable to ensure adequate protection.
12. What actions should be taken if a lock box is compromised? If a lock box is compromised, it is essential to change the combination or lock mechanism immediately to maintain security.
13. Can lock boxes be used in rental properties? Lock boxes can be used in rental properties to securely hold spare keys for convenience and access by tenants or authorized personnel.
14. Are electronic lock boxes more secure than traditional lock boxes? Electronic lock boxes can provide additional security features such as customizable passcodes, audit trails, and remote access control, making them potentially more secure than traditional lock boxes.
15. What are the disadvantages of using lock boxes? Lock boxes can be susceptible to theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access if not properly secured or made from durable materials. Additionally, they may not offer sufficient protection for high-value or irreplaceable items.

Answers to the Unique Questions:

1. Are lock boxes a good idea? Lock boxes, often advertised as key safes, are not recommended for high-risk properties. They do not provide proven security and are more suitable for storing keys to low-value items in sheds. For homes and other high-risk properties, it is suggested to opt for higher security products such as key safes.
2. Can a lockbox be stolen? Yes, lockboxes can be easy targets for house burglars and trespassers. If the combination of the lockbox falls into the wrong hands, sellers are essentially leaving their homes wide open to possible theft.
3. Can you open a lock box without a key? Yes, it is possible to open a lockbox without a key. By bypassing the mechanism of the lockbox, you can manipulate the actuator directly. This can be achieved by inserting a tool into the back of the lock that is thinner and longer than a key.
4. Why would a house have a lock box? A house may have a lock box, specifically a real estate lock box, when it is on the market for sale. The lock box holds the keys to the house, allowing communal access for all real estate agents while keeping the keys secure.
5. Can you keep cash in a lock box? It is generally advised not to keep cash in a lock box, especially in safe deposit boxes offered by banks. Most banks specify in their contracts that cash should not be stored in safe deposit boxes. The FDIC does not protect cash stored outside of a bank account.
6. Where is the best place to put a lock box? The best place to put a lock box is out of sight from the main road to avoid drawing attention. Suitable locations can include the side of the house, backyard fence, somewhere in the garden, or even a trusted neighbor’s house/apartment down the road or corridor.
7. Where is the best place to put a key lock box? For optimal usability, a key lock box should be placed at a convenient level such as chest level or wheelchair access height. Additionally, placing it in a location with plenty of natural lighting can make it easier to use and also assist with changing codes.
8. Are lockboxes easy to break into? Unfortunately, many key lock boxes are made from materials that cannot withstand impact, making them vulnerable to break-ins. Despite being lockable devices, they can be easily broken into due to the lack of robust construction.
9. What security measures can be taken with lock boxes? To enhance security when using lock boxes, it is recommended to opt for high-security products such as key safes. These products offer better protection for valuable items and properties.
10. Can lock boxes be used for storing other items? While lock boxes are primarily designed for storing keys, they might also be suitable for holding low-value items in sheds. However, for high-value or important items, alternative security measures should be considered, as lock boxes may not provide enough protection.
11. What alternatives are there to lock boxes for home security? For high-risk properties, it is advisable to invest in advanced security systems, including surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and secure safes. These measures provide greater protection and deter potential burglars.
12. What actions should be taken if a lock box is compromised? If a lock box is compromised or the security of its contents is in question, it is imperative to change the combination or lock mechanism immediately. This ensures that unauthorized access is prevented and maintains the security of the stored keys or items.
13. Can lock boxes be used in rental properties? Yes, lock boxes can be used in rental properties to securely hold spare keys. This allows for convenient access by tenants or authorized personnel. However, it is essential to properly maintain and secure the lock boxes to prevent unauthorized access.
14. Are electronic lock boxes more secure than traditional lock boxes? Electronic lock boxes can provide additional security features, such as customizable passcodes, audit trails, and remote access control. These features make electronic lock boxes potentially more secure than traditional lock boxes.
15. What are the disadvantages of using lock boxes? Some disadvantages of using lock boxes include their vulnerability to theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access if they are not properly secured or made from durable materials. Additionally, lock boxes may not offer sufficient protection for high-value or irreplaceable items.