From Officer Sue Shine of the Glendale Police Dept.:
Neighbors,
I have been receiving multiple reports of thefts from mailboxes and we have had some arrests where mail was recovered in possession of the suspects. Right now, they are occurring up in the Chevy Chase Canyon area and seem to be targeting street mounted boxes in the overnight hours. Locking boxes are being pried and some mail has been found discarded in cul-de-sacs. Some people are reporting fraud attempts on their accounts. As the holidays approach and more felons are released from custody due to the Early Release Program, package deliveries and postal boxes are tempting targets. Below is the message I sent to the folks being hit by these thieves to provide guidance. At this time NO THEFTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN GLENOAKS CANYON. This is a preventative message because it is likely that, unless they are caught, the thieves will move on soon.
What can you do?
- Check your box or, if you are not at home all day, ask a neighbor to pick it up for you.
- Never put mail to go out in your box (take it to the post office)
- If you are home during the day, open the blinds and curtains and look outside to see if anyone walks by. Call if you see anything unusual! Not only will this discourage mail theft, but burglars will think twice too.
- CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS ONLINE IMMEDIATELY. Make sure no one has gained access to any accounts
Mail theft is a tricky crime to prosecute. If you know you are a victim, you may report it directly to the Postal Service as theft from the mailbox is a federal crime. The two ways to do this are to call: 877-876-2455 (select option #5) or online at: U.S. Postal Inspector.
If you are a victim of identity theft, bring whatever documents confirm this to the station or call to have an officer respond to your home (818-548-4841)
Officer Sue Shine East Command, Lead Officer Glendale Police Department 131 North Isabel Street Glendale, CA 91206 Office: (818) 937-8769 | Cell: (818) 402-4523 Fax: (818) 409-7013 | E-mail: sshine@ci.glendale.ca.us