The theft of mail or packages off front door steps seems to increase around the holidays.
But even a month after the holiday season ended, The Reporter has been receiving a number of letters regarding the ongoing mail theft in Covington and Maple Valley.
We spoke with Covington Police Chief Andrew McCurdy and below is his response:
“Because it is a federal crime, the United States Postal Service – Postal Inspection Service has primary jurisdiction for mail theft investigations. You can still report mail theft to local police but be sure to report it to the US Postal Inspection Service to get an investigation started. Local police will respond if the suspect is still in the area since we are much more likely to be there quickly to apprehend the suspect. When suspects use the stolen mail to commit another crime like identity theft, attempting to use checks or credit cards, etc. then local police can be more involved. We frequently investigate these fraud cases and have made multiple arrests for these crimes in our city. We also sometimes recover stolen mail from suspects we arrest or contact for other reasons and we work to build cases locally against them when possible in addition to passing it on to the Postal Inspectors.”
McCurdy emphasized that “prevention is a much better strategy than enforcement.”
Below are tips from the USPS on protecting your mail.
• 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.
• Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered. 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.
On their website, the USPS also states that if you see someone stealing mail or your mail has been stolen they suggest you call the police first and then call the Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (press 3).
Mail theft complaints can also be filed online.
The USPS asks you to select “Problem” under Inquiry Type, then under Customer Service, select Support, and Mail Theft. Please articulate why your complaint is mail theft related in the “additional information” section.
According to their website, all information is voluntary but the more you provide the more likely it is that we can help you. We may share your information with other agencies if it comes under their jurisdiction.
Complaints can also be taken over the phone by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
The Postal Inspection Service will contact you only if more information is needed. They gather data on mail-related crime to determine whether a violation has occurred. While the USPS can’t guarantee the recovery of lost money or items, your information can help alert Postal Inspectors to problem areas and possibly prevent others from being victimized. Inspectors base their investigations on the number, substance and pattern of complaints. The USPS ask you to keep all original documents related to your complaint.
Also, if you believe you are a victim of identity theft, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission website ftc.gov for tips and advice on what to do.
