Full Notification

In an effort to reduce the public’s chances of becoming a mail theft victim the LAPD Topanga Division would like to provide the following mail theft prevention tips:

• Whether you have a home mailbox or use a post office box, you should always collect your mail on the day it is delivered. Never leave it in your mailbox overnight.

• Mail thieves look for bank statements and credit card bills, which can be used to create counterfeit checks or fake identifications. Sign up for Online Banking and Paperless Statements, access your account, statements and history online.

• Thieves also look for personal checks enclosed in utility bills or other payments. Thieves take these stolen checks, remove the ink, and then fill out the blank check in their name and desired amount.

• Always deposit your mail inside your local post office or hand it to your mail carrier.

• You can request to stop your mail delivery at http://www.usps.com/manage/manage your mail whenever you go out of town. An option is to ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.

• If you don’t receive a check, bill, or other mail you are expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

• Report all suspected mail theft to the Postal Inspector and your local police department.

If you observe any suspicious mailbox activity or if you have been a mail theft victim please call Los Angeles Police Department at 1(877) 275-5273.