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.