Putting In a Secure Mailbox

With the raise in identity theft we want to make sure someone can't just take our mail easily. This weekend I'll be installing a new mailbox. I plan on doing this project in two stages. First will be setting the mailbox and post in concrete. Next stage will involve building a stone surround around the box. If I didn't need the mailbox right away and have limited time, I would pour a concrete footer and build the surround.

I've read a couple articles online about setting posts in concrete and they seem to have these things in common:

• It seems a bag of concrete mix can be used for a 10" by 2' hole with a 4" post
• Since the mailbox uses a metal post I need to use a rust inhibitor like POR (paint over rust) or rustolium
• The hole needs to be three times the diameter of the post and about 2' deep
• Put gravel at the bottom of the hole and 6" around the base
• Place the post in the hole, level it and anchor it in place with stakes and wire or by nailing a couple of 2 x 4s to it
• Mix the concrete. I'll be using a concrete mix so I don't have to worry about any other proportion than mix to water.
• Pour in concrete level to the ground and poke air bubbles out with some scrap wood
• Check level of the post and adjust if necessary
• If I didn't plan on building up a surround I'd add some more concrete around the base to form a mound so the water runs off the sides

The only thing I'll be doing a little different is making a square section of concrete so I can use it for a footer later.