Help Stop Mail Thefts

Several thefts from mailboxes in CPN have recently been reported. Thieves are specifically targeting mail containing credit card, banking, and other personal financial information that can be used to commit identity theft. Postal inspectors recently arrested several suspects in Denver and mail from the CPN area was discovered in their possession.

What can you do?

Protect your mail. Do not leave out-going mail in your home’s mailbox overnight. A red flag up on a mailbox is a red flag for criminals. And, make sure to drop any mail containing financial information into an official drop box at a post office.

Watch for suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If a suspicious vehicle is observed near mailboxes, please obtain license plate information and an accurate description of the vehicle and occupants. Report the information immediately to the Douglas County Sheriff by calling 911, and also call the United States Postal Inspection Service at 303-313-5320. Do NOT contact your local post office.

Jeff Reed, resident of Turquoise Terrace, and a Federal Agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service states, “You can help minimize your opportunity of becoming a victim by taking precautions.” His suggestions include:

Never leave your mail overnight in your home’s mailbox, even it the box has a lock.
Mail all outgoing mail from a blue collection box at a nearby post office, not the outgoing slot in the neighborhood box.
Pick up your mail in a timely manner.
Have your mail held at the Post Office when on vacation or away from home for extented periods.
Help prevent identity theft by checking your credit report periodically.

“Many residents don’t realize that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service exists as a separate entity from the U.S. Post Office. We’re a Federal Law Enforcement Agency, and one of the reasons we exist is to investigate and solve mail theft crimes,” concludes Reed.

Please contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 303-313-5320 with any information regarding mail thefts.