Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! We must inform you about a recent rise in mailbox break-ins in our community and surrounding areas. Criminals are targeting residential mailboxes to steal sensitive information and valuable items. To help you protect your mail and personal information, we have compiled some helpful tips and safety measures below.

Recent Incidents

Over the past few weeks, multiple reports have been filed about broken locks, missing mail, and even stolen and altered checks. Thieves are using these stolen items to commit identity theft and financial fraud. Local authorities are aware of the situation and have increased patrols in affected neighborhoods, but we all must stay vigilant and take preventative steps.

How to Protect Your Mail

1. Collect Your Mail Promptly: Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after it’s delivered. Leaving mail in your box overnight increases the risk of theft.
   
   
2. Invest in a Locking Mailbox: A sturdy, locking mailbox can deter thieves. Look for USPS-approved models that provide an added layer of security.
   
   
3. Use Informed Delivery: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This free service lets you preview your incoming mail digitally, so you’ll know what to expect each day.
   
   
4. Hold Mail When Traveling: If you’re going out of town, place a hold on your mail through the USPS website to prevent buildup in your mailbox.
   
   
5. Avoid Sending Sensitive Items from Your Home Mailbox: Place outgoing mail, especially checks or documents with sensitive information, in a secure USPS drop box or take it directly to the post office.
   
   
6. Shred Sensitive Documents: Before discarding old mail, shred anything that contains personal or financial information.
   
   

What to Do if Your Mail Is Stolen

1. Report It to the USPS: File a report with the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov or by calling 1-877-876-2455.
   
   
2. Notify Local Authorities: Contact your local police department to report the theft and file a police report.
   
   
3. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
   
   
4. Inform Neighbors: Let others in your area know about any incidents so they can take precautions.
   
   

Community Watch Efforts

To combat this issue, we encourage all residents to join or support a local Neighborhood Watch group. Working together and staying informed can significantly reduce criminal activity. If you’re interested in starting or joining a watch group, reply to this email for more details.

Stay Alert and Stay Safe

We all play a role in keeping our community safe. By taking these steps, you can help protect your mail and your identity. If you have any questions, concerns, or additional safety tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

P.S. Please share this message with your friends and neighbors to help spread awareness!