RB Community Relations Officer Paul Lennon has been speaking recently to Neighborhood Watch and the Public Safety Committee about the recent rise of mailbox thefts in Rancho Bernardo. In the last quarter, the SDPD has reported over 50 thefts in the 92128 and 92127 zip code areas alone.

Don’t "red flag" your outgoing mail. To the bad guys the red flag says, "Come and get me." The crooks easily figure out that some of your letters contain checks. They take the checks you have left out for the mailman and wash them and put in the name and amount they want. You won’t know anything about it for a month, when you get your next statement.

Don’t even put your mail in the blue mailboxes – the crooks have found a way of opening them. Take your outgoing mail to the post office – it’s the only really safe place.

What is happening here? The bad guys want to steal your identity and your money. If there are pre-approved credit card offers in your mail, they will fill them out, make an address change and start using the card before you even know about it. Since the statements will eventually go to them, you may know nothing about it until your credit is destroyed.

They may even go into your trash to retrieve these credit card applications. Always shred anything with your private information on it – even your phone bills. Crooks love to have the numbers of people you call frequently. More people to scam (by using your name).

Mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), makes it a crime to vandalize them (and to damage, deface or destroy any mail deposited in them). Violators can be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned for up to three years for each act of vandalism.

You can take the following actions to help prevent the vandalizing or destruction of your mailbox and any mail that may be inside it:

• Immediately report theft, tampering with, or destruction of mail and mailboxes to your local postmaster.
• Remove your mail from your mailbox as soon as possible after its delivery. Allowing mail to pile up for several days only tempts would-be vandals and thieves. If it is impossible for you to pick up your mail right after delivery, and you have been experiencing problems with mailbox vandalism or mail theft, consider renting a post office box, which will provide a secure method of delivery. You may find your peace of mind is worth the small rental fee.
• Keep your mailbox in good repair by using proper installation methods. This may help prevent theft of the mailbox itself.

If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, contact the Postal Inspection Service with your information at 800-275-8777.