We see mail & packages stolen throughout the year, but with the holiday season approaching and more folks spending more of their time away from home, this is a great time to refresh on this topic. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help prevent mail & package theft:
MAIL THEFT PREVENTION:
- Always use a US Postal collection box or deposit your mail inside your local post office.
- 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.
- 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 with their name and desired amount.
- Never send cash or coins through the mail.
- When reordering checks have them sent to your bank.
- When you travel, 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.
- Mail theft can often turn into identify theft if a thief gets ahold of your personal information. For information on preventing identity theft and what to do if you are a victim of it, check out the Federal Trade Commission’s website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft
PACKAGE THEFT PREVENTION:
- Always track your package deliveries so that you know when they are estimated to arrive at your home.
- Make sure that someone is home to receive the delivery or that a trusted neighbor is available to receive the package on your behalf.
- Never leave your deliveries unattended on your front porch.
- Always require a signature when having items delivered.
To report all suspicious activity or if you are a victim of theft, please contact Newport Beach Police Department by calling (949) 644-3717.
