On Tuesday evening, another mailbox within the City of Oakley fell victim to vandalism and was damaged where vandals stole mail.
According to Oakley Police Lieutenant Eric Navarro, they are reviewing evidence from video and identifying a possible vehicle at the time of the theft. The vehicle was listed as an older Nissan or Datsun
For Oakley, this marks the 8th report of mail theft in the past two months said Navarro. He also added there may be more, but not all cases are reported.
No further information was released on this incident.
The United States Postal Office offers the following tips for protecting your mail. Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves:
- Use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
- Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
- 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.
- Don’t send cash in the mail.
- Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
- Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.
- 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).
- 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 see a mail thief at work, or if you believe your mail was stolen, call police immediately, then call Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (press 3).
