Tyrese Walker was tired of watching packages disappear from his family’s porch. After the fourth theft—his mother’s birthday gift, no less—he decided to strike back. But not with complaints. With a welding torch.
What followed was the birth of BoxGuard—a handmade, high-tech lockbox designed to stop thieves in their tracks. And it’s turning this 17-year-old into a local legend.
From Frustration to Fabrication
Using scrap metal, self-taught engineering skills, and knowledge from his high school welding class, Tyrese designed a security solution that’s smarter, tougher, and far more stylish than a plastic bin with a padlock.
BoxGuard features a spring-loaded locking door, a keypad access panel, motion-triggered alarm, and a weatherproof steel body. It’s built to outwit even the boldest porch pirate.
“I didn’t want this to happen to anyone else,” Tyrese said. “So I built something that could help all of us.”
A Hit With the Neighborhood
Since unveiling his creation, neighbors have been lining up to place orders. A local hardware store has offered shelf space for a limited run, and community leaders are praising Tyrese’s ingenuity.
He’s already formed a small brand—BoxGuard Security Co.—and plans to add smart features in the future, including mobile alerts and delivery service integration.
Built to Last, Built to Inspire
Beyond its function, BoxGuard has become a symbol of youth-driven problem-solving. Tyrese has been nominated for a regional innovation award, and several trade schools have expressed interest in sponsoring his continued education.
His advice for other teens facing challenges?
"Don’t wait around for someone else to fix it. Use what you’ve got. Build something.”