Abstract: Latch means (19) for locking a cover (10,110) on a meter box (11,111) against unauthorized opening and having a latch bar (32) slidably mounted on the inner surface of the cover behind an access opening (18,118) therein, said latch bar extending behind a flange (21,121) on the box when the cover is closed. The latch bar (32) has a cam portion 34 to ride over the flange (21,121) during closing of the cover and has an indentation forming a shoulder (38) adapted to be engaged by an implement (40) inserted through access opening (18,118) to raise the latch bar (32) and open the cover (10,110).