We are required to have a drop box so residents can pay rent 24/7. When I first came to my property, it was a standard mail slot in the door, with a drop box on the inside. I have fairly skinny arms, so I could easily reach through the slot to the bottom of the box. And if I could, so could someone else! So we installed a metal bracket inside to make the slot just wide enough for papers to fit through. I don't see how someone could use a tool to put in and pull payments out, and we haven't had an issue at my location, but I know of several other communities that have had issues with money order theft.
What we have done is instituted an online payment system. Residents can use a checking account, debit card, or credit card. They can make individual one time payments or set up recurring payments.
For residents without online accounts or those that want to pay cash, we have a program called WIPS- Walk in Payment Systems. They can pay in person instantly at the grocery store at a check cashing place.
www.checkfreepay.com