A new TS 008:2022 tested letterplate from Arrone, a Hoppe Group brand, has been launched to help protect homeowners from letterbox ‘fishing’.

Andy Matthews, head of sales at Hoppe (UK) commented: “Homeowners are becoming much more aware of the need to protect their property, but the rise of the video doorbells and other smart devices mean that when considering their home security, they often think of the latest technology and other visual deterrents like burglar alarms first. They sometimes aren’t aware of the role that high quality door hardware plays in deterring and even preventing certain burglary methods.”

Letterbox fishing, a common technique used by criminals to steal possessions within easy reach of a door, can be prevented through the addition of a security shroud – sometimes referred to as a letterplate restrictor or security hood – on the inside of the door, but these can often be quite bulky and therefore off-putting for homeowners.

Arrone’s new AR708HS letterplate features an anti-theft steel guard solution with a slimline cover on the inside door that offers a more discreet finish. With a projection of just 21mm, the cover provides non-restrictive door opening, even when the door is fully opened.

The non-intrusive design has an adjustable stepped internal sleeve which prevents the internal flap of the letterplate from being fully opened. This, combined with steel side guard plates, offers protection against letterbox fishing and letterbox manipulation, while still allowing post to pass freely through the letterbox.

As well as TS 008:2022 accreditation, the AR708HS has also undergone a 20,000-cycle flap test and 480 hours of neutral salt spray test on the external flap.

For flat and apartment entrance doors, there is also a fire-rated version of the letterplate available complete with an intumescent kit. This is compatible for use with both 30-minute and 60-minute fire doors.

The letterplate is suitable for use on both 44mm and 54mm door thicknesses, and is available in seven finishes.