Letterbox key missing - help

[PembeGreyfurt]

Posting in chat for maximum traffic.

I have been expecting two very important letters from abroad and it looked like my post wasn't being delivered in the communal area where it normally would be. Finally noticed that a new person has put all the post in the individual letter boxes - only I never had a key for mine and noone ever used the letter boxes.

Contacting the landlord is something I'd like to avoid for a good reason.

How do I get my post out?

What I've tried:
*Manually as it's open at the top - didn't work, have a bruised arm now
*Kitchen tongs - didn't work
*Knocking on neighbours door to see if their key miraculously fits (and assuming they have one) - not in or not answering
*I have now ordered a key set from Amazon that the fire brigade apparently use. It looks like one of the smaller keys might fit.

Should I try a general lock picking set as well (need to order within next couple of hours for delivery tonight)?

Does anyone have proven tips on how to open the lock or fish out the post? It's open at the top, I'll try to attach a pic.

The lock is a smallish mortice lock like you might have on a wardrobe that opens with a bearded key.

Please help 😟

If it's open at the top can't you user a grabber stick?
One pound at Poundland.
Failing that call out a locksmith. Never pick one from online. Find a high street one.
You will need to prove ID that that is your letterbox. Show recently delivered documents with flat number on.
Good luck.

Have you got a hair grip or strong piece of wire?

Locksmith.

Thanks. That's good advice about a local locksmith. That'll be my last resort.

Didn't actually know a grabber stick was a thing. I suspect it would be too inflexible, just like the kitchen tongs were.

I have tried a fly swatter with double sided sticky tape which has helped getting some stuff out as it's not a rigid stick. First thing I retrieved was a handwritten note from a Jehovah's Witness, then a takeaway menu and a local magazine plus a letter from the bank.

It's stopped working for now...

The upstairs neighbour has the same problem and was wondering where his post went too.

According neighbour confirmed that she'd never had keys either, but all the letterboxes apart from mine and upstairs neighbour are unlocked. Upstairs neighbour will talk to managing agent.

What a nightmare.

I might find a hair grip somewhere. You mean a Kirby grip one? Don't have any wire clothes hangers it seems.

Hoping to avoid that one. But might have no choice in the end.

Drain grabber? They're flexible.

Tongs from the kitchen?

@PembeGreyfurt yes that's the one. It might be able to open the lock finger's crossed x

Thank you so much. I would have never thought of that. I'll give it a try after work.