Home Security: Breaker Box

[james_bond_007]

After moving here several years ago from the Midwest, I've always wondered why the Breaker Boxes of many houses are located outdoors.

All of the ones I encountered in the Midwest were indoors: either in a house, a garage, or a shed.

I've heard various rumors, such as
a) Required by code in many cities
b) So if there is a fire, the fire department can shut off the power

But it has always puzzled me as to the real reason.

It seems odd that, if during a rain/electrical storm, a breaker trips, I have to go OUTSIDE and stick my hands in the breaker box to reset the breakers. ...seems UNSAFE.
(I have no fear of resetting the breaker, but DO have a fear of lighting zapping the box in a rainstorm WHILE I'm doing it, am pretty wet from rain, and am a good 'conductor')

Also, if "I" were a burglar, one of the first things I'd do is snip off the sheet metal hasp on the breaker box, by the lock, or pry of the cheap built-i n cylinder lock, and turn off the power.
Perhaps there are more secure boxes than the one I have seen ?

OR


NOTE: Neighborhood is 25-30 years old