When I grew up, everyone had their own mailbox, none were "locked" or protecting your incoming or outgoing mail. In those days, you rarely heard or saw this happening. Not the case in today's environment.
In the older neighborhoods, you will see each homeowner has their own mailbox in front of their home. Some have opted for locking mailboxes, some have regular mailboxes.
In the newer neighborhoods (20 years or newer), most often you will see cluster 
mailboxes scattered throughout a neighborhood. Even though they are locked, they are vandalized on occasion. BUT, for the most part, you can "lock and leave" with these mailboxes also. Residents feel a bit safer with their mail in the cluster mailboxes. You only get a smaller box, but if you get a larger package, you will find a key in your personal mailbox for the larger boxes below.
Your choice when you view properties. Even if you have a personal mailbox, you can change it out for a locking one.
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