February 17, 2021 - The Madera County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) reports in light of multiple reports of mail theft in recent weeks, MCSO would like to remind community members of the following theft prevention tips to help deter mail thieves:

CHECK YOUR MAIL DAILY: Make a daily routine out of collecting your mail — even if you aren’t expecting something. Something as simple as a utility bill can be valuable to an identity thief. Going paperless, when possible, is a great way to reduce the amount of sensitive information being sent to you in the mail.

PLAN FOR BEING AWAY: If you plan to be away for more than a few days, ask someone you trust to pick up your mail, or contact the Post Office to arrange for a vacation hold, where your mail will be held at the post office until you personally pick it up when you return.

DON’T LEAVE OUTGOING MAIL IN YOUR MAILBOX: Deposit mail in a mail slot in the post office building, at a Postal Service mailbox, or hand it to your letter carrier. Items sitting in a residential mailbox with the red flag up are especially attractive to mail thieves.

SECURE YOUR MAILBOX: A secure mailbox or mail slot (like one with a locking mechanism), well-lit surroundings and a visible home surveillance system can create a triple threat against any unexpected guests who may be after your mail.

REPORT MAIL THEFT IMMEDIATELY: Mail theft is a federal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If you believe you were a victim of mail theft, report the incident to both local law enforcement and the Post Office.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• USPS Informed Delivery (free service to digitally preview incoming mail): Visit informeddelivery.usps.com

• Opt out of junk mail (i.e. pre-screened credit offers): Call 1-888-567-8688 or visit optoutprescreen.com



Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office