Mail theft still growing concern
Mail theft is a growing concern in many communities, as criminals target both personal and public mailboxes to steal letters and packages. This crime often leads to serious consequences, such as identity theft, fraud, and lost sensitive documents. To protect against these risks, experts strongly advise never leaving outgoing mail in residential mailboxes or public mailboxes, especially overnight. Instead, walking letters and packages directly into the post office provides a more secure alternative, reducing the chance of theft.
One common method criminals use is the "fishing" technique, where they attach sticky materials to objects like a string or bottle to pull mail out of a box. For instance, in New York City, authorities reported multiple incidents involving thieves using such tactics to steal checks and gift cards from blue postal collection boxes. Similarly, in Houston, a man was arrested after being caught on surveillance camera stealing mail from several homes. These incidents underscore the ease with which criminals can access unsecured mail.
To minimize risks, residents should also consider installing lockable mailboxes or using services like USPS's "Informed Delivery" to track their mail. Another useful practice is scheduling package pick-ups through UPS or USPS, which ensures packages are secured by the delivery service. As a further precaution, it’s essential to avoid leaving mail unattended in mailboxes for long periods, especially during vacations or holidays when thieves are more likely to strike.
Taking a few extra minutes to walk inside the post office or using secure alternatives can significantly reduce the likelihood of mail theft, helping to protect personal information and valuable shipments.
AP News, Reuters, USPS.com, Federal Trade Commission
