Home Oakley Oakley Police Chief Warns of Mailbox Theft, Provides Tips

Oakley Police Chief Warns of Mailbox Theft, Provides Tips

by ECT

mailbox theft

Oakley Police Chief Dan Gomez recently warned residents of an increase in mail theft this time of year due to expectations of IRS tax refund checks being mailed. He is encouraging the public to remain alert and take precautions.

His message applies to not only Oakley, but to anyone across the country. In fact, just a few days ago in Antioch, a teenager was caught stealing mail on Enea Way.

According to the observer, the teenager was trained on what mail to look for such as IRS checks, bank statements and credit cards coming through the mail.  She was caught due to a neighbor being alert and immediate reporting the activity.

Mail theft has been an issue in East Contra Costa County over the last several months with cases in Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley. In January, four men including one from Antioch were arrested with having mail from 14 cities in 3 counties.

Here is the chiefs message:

About this time, every year many communities experience an increase in mail theft crimes. One significant reason is the expectation of IRS tax refund checks being mailed to taxpayers. Please be alert to suspicious activity in your neighborhood and take every precaution to safeguard your mail and parcel packages that may be delivered. A couple of safeguards include installing a locked mailbox and/or obtaining a Post Office box at which you receive important correspondence.

Thank you for your vigilance,

Chief Dan

Here is some additional information from the US Postal Service

Every day, the U.S. Postal Service safely and efficiently delivers millions of checks, money orders, credit cards and other valuable items. Unfortunately, such items of value are also attractive to thieves.

That’s why Postal Inspectors across the country are at work to protect your mail. But with deliveries to more than 100 million addresses, the Postal Inspection Service can’t do the job alone.

Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves:

  • Never send cash or coins in the mail. Use checks or money orders.
  • Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won’t be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
  • Have your local post office hold your mail while you’re on vacation, or absent from your home for a long period of time.
  • If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
  • If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
  • Always deposit your mail in a mail slot at your local post office, or hand it to your letter carrier.
  • Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes). If you observe a mail thief at work, call the local police immediately, and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.

If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster or nearest Postal Inspector. You’ll be asked to file a formal complaint using PS Form 2016, Mail Theft and Vandalism Complaint. By analyzing information collected from the form, Postal Inspectors may determine whether your problem is isolated or part of a larger mail theft problem in your neighborhood–and it may help Postal Inspectors locate and apprehend the thieves.

Consult with your local postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.

If you feel that you are a victim of a crime involving the mail, submit an on-line complaint.”

Photo provided by Rick Cendejas

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4 comments

Elaine Apr 16, 2014 - 7:46 am

If they steal a check and use it,
I have to make a police report, a post office report and a bank report to change my account. I would rather lose the $20 bill in a greeting card.

WatchingOut Apr 16, 2014 - 8:08 am

I’ve had one of these gadgets inside my mailbox for years, only had to change the batteries once:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nzA-9r1UlU
Also, there’s a camera trained right onto the mailbox.

I know immediately when that mail hits the box, and I also know if someone’s been there snooping around.

Our neighborhood WILL post your pic on Facebook if you go trying to take the mail over here. We’ve filed complaints before, and we can do it again.

Barbara DuMont Apr 16, 2014 - 8:10 am

This has been an issue for years for those of us in the more rural area. Its really sad that you have to run out and get your mail as soon as it runs. Our dog lets us know when the mail runs and one of us goes right out to get it. If we see someone unknown to us opening mailboxes in our neighborhood, we call the PD. And the problem isn’t just mailbox thefts. So far this year I haven’t received my tags from DVM, a mail order prescription and a replacement ATM card–they never got to my mailbox.

teach kindness Apr 18, 2014 - 11:06 am

This is why I got a p.o. box. I get all my important mail and packages at the post office. The small yearly fee is worth the piece of mind of knowing my mail is safe and I have less chance of identity theft.

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