Numerous Reports of Mail Theft in Oakdale, Police Department Urges Precautions

After numerous reports of mail theft and tampering throughout the city, the Oakdale Police Department urged residents in a press release Wednesday to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave outgoing mail in an unlocked mailbox.
• Do deposit mail in a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box or inside at your local post office.
• Use a collection box that is not full. Notify the post office if you observe a collection box full or overflowing.
• Make sure your mailbox is in good condition. Mailboxes in poor condition often expose mail to theft and bad weather.
• Promptly pick up your “incoming” mail once it is delivered to your mailbox
• Purchase a locked mailbox or convert your unlocked box to the lockable type.
• On your locked box, make sure the mail slot is large enough and safe enough for the letter carrier to insert your mail. (Note the mail carrier can- not pick up mail from this type of unit). Consult with the post office for a recommendation.
• Arrange for your mail to be delivered to a post office box for a small fee.
• Consider having regular income checks deposited electronically right into your bank account via direct deposit.
• Promptly report non-receipt of credit cards, checks and other valuable mail to the senders.
• Immediately notify the post office and mailers if you change your address.
• If you are going on vacation, notify the post office, or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail promptly after delivery.
• Contact your financial institution and advise them to not send credit card checks to you by mail.
• Be observant of activities on your street, including those near your letter carrier, his or her postal vehicle, residential mailboxes and collection boxes. Immediately report any suspicious persons or activity by calling 9-1-1 while suspects are still present.
• Join a neighborhood watch program. Be a part of the solution

Remember, do not jeopardize your safety, the release says, but be a good witness.