Mail theft is a criminal offense that involves the unauthorized act of stealing mail. Mail is wrongfully accessed, intercepted or removed from their intended recipients.

To combat mail theft, you can take several precautions:

1. Use a Locking Mailbox: Install a mailbox with a lock to prevent easy access to your mail by unauthorized individuals.

2. Collect Mail Promptly: Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after it’s delivered to minimize the time it spends unattended.

3. Opt-in for Informed Delivery: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive notifications and images of your incoming mail, helping you track what should arrive. Click here to learn how.

4. Hold Mail: If you’re away, request your mail to be held at the post office until your return.

5. Redirect Mail: If you move, make sure to update your address with the postal service to guarantee your mail is forwarded to your new address.

6. Shred Sensitive Mail: Shred documents with personal or financial information before disposing them.

7. Use Secure Drop Boxes: When sending important mail, use secure drop boxes at the post office rather than leaving it in your home mailbox.

8. Consider a P.O. Box: If possible, rent a P.O. Box for your mail to ensure its security.

9. Track Deliveries: Utilize tracking services to monitor the progress of packages and ensure their safe arrival.

10. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect mail theft, report it to your local post office and law enforcement.

Taking these steps can help minimize the risk of mail theft and protect your sensitive information. For more information, click here for tips and prevention from the United States Postal Inspection Service.