Mail theft is a serious problem that affects millions of Americans every year. Criminals target mailboxes and packages left outside of homes and businesses, looking for anything they can steal, including sensitive personal and financial information. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent mail theft and protect your identity and your property. In this article, we will explore the top ways to prevent mail theft and keep your mail and packages safe.

What is Mail Theft?

Mail theft is a crime that involves stealing mail from mailboxes or packages from doorsteps or porches. This can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other serious consequences for the victim. Mail theft is a common problem, and it can happen anywhere, from urban to rural areas.

Ways to Prevent Mail Theft

Use a Lockable Mailbox

A lockable mailbox is an effective way to prevent mail theft. A lockable mailbox keeps your mail and packages secure and out of reach of potential thieves. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), the use of a lockable mailbox is one of the best ways to prevent mail theft. Adoorn offers secure mailboxes that prevent mail and package theft and keep your deliveries safe from porch pirates. They can be easily accessed by your delivery drivers.

Retrieve Your Mail Promptly

Don't let your mail sit in your mailbox for long periods of time. Retrieve your mail promptly after it is delivered. If you are going out of town, ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail, or request a hold on your mail from the post office. The longer your mail sits in your mailbox, the more vulnerable it is to theft.

Sign up for Informed Delivery

Informed Delivery is a free service offered by the US Postal Service that sends you an email with scanned images of your incoming mail. This allows you to know what mail to expect and to ensure that nothing is missing. Informed Delivery is available to residential customers and some eligible PO Box customers.

Track Your Packages

If you are expecting a package, track it online and be aware of its delivery date. If you won't be home, consider having it delivered to your workplace or a secure package locker. Some delivery services, such as Amazon and UPS, offer package lockers that you can use to receive packages.

Secure Your Mailbox

If you have a non-lockable mailbox, make sure to secure it with a mailbox lock or a mailbox alarm. These are inexpensive and easy to install. A mailbox lock prevents unauthorized access to your mailbox and helps to keep your mail and packages safe.

Don't Leave Packages Unattended

If you are expecting a package, don't leave it unattended on your doorstep or porch. Consider having it delivered to a secure location, such as a locker or a neighbor's house. Some delivery services offer the option of having packages delivered to a secure location, such as an Amazon Locker.

Report Mail Theft

If you believe your mail has been stolen, report it to your local post office and to the police. This will help to prevent future mail thefts in your area. You can also report mail theft to the Postal Inspection Service, which investigates mail theft and other postal crimes.

Conclusion

Mail theft is a serious problem, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Use a lockable mailbox or package box, retrieve your mail promptly, sign up for Informed Delivery, track your packages, secure your mailbox, don't leave packages unattended, and report mail theft if it happens. These steps can help to keep your mail and packages safe, and protect your identity and your property.

References:

United States Postal