New Year, New Mail Theft!
Even though the big holiday season is over, that doesn’t stop mail thieves from wanting to steal your mail year-round. Here are some tips from USPS to avoid mail theft!
PROTECTING YOUR MAIL
Postal Inspectors across the country work hard to protect your mail. But with deliveries to more than 100 million addresses, the Postal Inspection Service can’t do the job alone.
Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves:
-
Use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
-
Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
-
If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
-
Don’t send cash in the mail.
-
Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
-
Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.
-
Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes).
-
Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to purchase a locking security mailbox like Mail Boss!
Just one more extra step to help keep your mail safe for another day from mail theft! If you are not sure which curbside mailbox suits your needs, check out our recent blog post on “Picking the perfect mailbox” to get started on your new year security.