Bakersfield Police offers tips to prevent mail theft

The Bakersfield Police Department recently received reports of mail theft in the north Rosedale area and is reminding citizens the following preventive measures to prevent mail theft:

• Use the letter slots inside the local Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
• Pick up your mail promptly after delivery, and do not leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you are expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
• If you do not receive a check or other valuable mail you are expecting, contact the issuing entity immediately.
• If you change your address, immediately notify the Post Office and anyone whom you do business with via the mail.
• Do not send cash in the mail.
• Notify the Post Office when you will 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 suspicious persons at or near your mailbox, call the police immediately at (661) 327-7111.

If you believe your mail was stolen or believe your community mailbox has been compromised, call the United States Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455.