West Chester Police warn residents and stakeholders of a spike in checks and personal information being stolen from mailboxes.
The Postal Inspection Service operates as the law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service and aggressively investigates mail theft. Stolen mail often results in cases of fraud and identity theft, but there are preventative steps citizens can take now to help stop mail theft before it happens.
Use caution and consider these safety tips when using the US Postal Service and similar package delivery services.
Avoid mailing payment or monetary gifts (check, cash, gift cards, etc.). If necessary, go to your local Post Office branch to mail items that could prove valuable for thieves to steal.
Use a mailbox with a door that closes and shuts.
Pick up mail daily, soon after it’s delivered. Don’t let mail pile up.
When possible, install mailboxes in plain view of a front door or window and ideally within range of a security or doorbell camera. Register cameras with the West Chester Police Department.
Hold mail at the Post Office if you plan to go out of town. Let West Chester Police know you’ll be away by completing an Unoccupied Home Notice form.
Arrange a hold for pickup at the Post Office on package deliveries or route deliveries to a secure community pickup location such as an Amazon Hub.
If using a community or cluster mailbox, secure your mail door with lock and key. Community mailboxes are best located in high-traffic, well-lit areas.
Report suspicious activity and thefts to the US Postal Inspection Service by email at CFOMT@uspis.gov, by phone at 877-876-2455 or connect online at www.uspis.gov.
For more information from the West Chester Police Department, visit www.WestChesterOH.org/Police.