How to Protect Against Thieves: A Message from US Postal Inspection Service

US Congressman Ted W. Lieu (Representative of California’s 33rd Congressional District), who has been meeting with the US Postal Inspection Service regarding mail fraud, has forwarded this reminder on how Bel-Air residents can help protect themselves from thieves.

PROTECTING YOUR MAIL
Postal Inspectors across the country work hard 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:

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).

For more information click here, or visit the US Postal Inspection Service website at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov