5 Safety Measures to Prevent USPS Mail Theft
Ever check your mailbox with anticipation, only to find it disappointingly empty? Package theft and missing mail are a growing concern, leaving many frustrated and questioning their delivery security. Statistics paint a troubling picture: according to a source on mail theft statistics, nearly 1 in 5 packages delivered in the United States fall victim to theft each year! Don't worry! Here are 5 effective strategies to help you outsmart mail thieves and porch pirates and keep your USPS deliveries safe:
1. Become a Mail Master
Don't let your mail linger! Develop the habit of collecting it promptly, especially after deliveries. A brimming mailbox is an open invitation for thieves. If you're expecting a USPS package but can't be home:
Hold Your Mail: Contact your local post office and request a hold on your mail until you return. This service is usually free for a limited time.
Delivery Service Options: Many delivery companies offer rerouting packages to pick-up locations or holding them at local facilities for later retrieval.
Neighborly Assistance: Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail while you're away. Perfect for short absences.
In addition to these, if you suspect a package or important mail is missing, you can initiate a "missing mail search" with USPS. They offer a web form and phone number to report missing mail. Here's the link to initiate a missing mail search: https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm
2. Tech Tools to the Rescue
USPS offers free tools to keep you informed and in control:
Informed Delivery: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This service sends you daily emails with digital images of your expected mail, allowing you to track incoming packages and letters.
USPS Mobile App: Download the USPS Mobile App to track your packages in real-time, receive delivery notifications, and even reschedule deliveries for a more convenient time.
3. Invest in a Secure Mailbox
A sturdy, lockable mailbox can be a significant deterrent to casual thieves. Consider these options:
Locking Mailbox: A mailbox with a secure lock deters quick grabs.
Package Compartment Mailbox: Certain mailboxes have a designated compartment for packages, keeping them secure and hidden.
Post Office Box: For an extra layer of security, consider renting a post office box, especially if you live in an area with high mail theft rates.
4. Visual Deterrence is Key
Security cameras are a powerful deterrent for potential thieves. Here are some options:
Doorbell Camera: A doorbell camera with motion detection can capture footage of anyone approaching your mailbox or front door.
Outdoor Security Camera: An outdoor security camera strategically placed can provide a wider view of your mailbox and surrounding area.
Security Signage: Even a simple sign indicating video surveillance can deter potential thieves.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities:
Postal Inspection Service: If you suspect mail theft, or your package stolen, file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service online: https://www.uspis.gov/
Local Police: If you witness mail theft in progress, contact your local police department immediately.
By implementing these 5 strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of mail theft and ensure your deliveries arrive safely and securely. Remember, vigilance and a proactive approach are key to outsmarting mail thieves/porch pirates and avoid stolen packages keeping your mailbox a haven for your important mail.
Secure your USPS mail with Kangaroo Home Security
Here's where Kangaroo steps in! Our range of security cameras offers a powerful solution to deter theft and provide evidence in case the unfortunate happens.
Greet visitors with a crystal-clear 1080p HD video feed and two-way talk functionality.
Night vision ensures you see thieves even in low-light conditions.
Built-in motion detection triggers instant alerts on your phone, letting you know when a mail carrier delivers or someone approaches your door.
Most importantly, Kangaroo prioritizes your privacy. You have complete control over when motion recording occurs and cloud storage access (refer to our privacy policy for details).
This innovative camera seamlessly replaces your existing peephole, offering a wider field of view to capture not just the mailbox but also surrounding areas.
See who's there, Get instant smartphone alerts with video recordings whenever motion is detected or the doorbell rings.
Hear it too, Plug-in Chime ensures you hear alerts anywhere in your house, extending battery life.
For ultimate versatility, the Kangaroo Outdoor Security Camera can be placed strategically to cover your entire mailbox and porch area.
Its weatherproof design allows for year-round use, making it perfect for all seasons.
Night vision and motion detection ensure you never miss a suspicious activity, even at night.
Spot and stop an incident in the moment with the Built-In Siren and Two-Way Talk.
Don't let mail theft win! Visit www.heykangaroo.com today to explore Kangaroo's security camera range and take control of your home security.
Want to learn even more about protecting your mail? Check out these helpful articles:
Related Contents:
10 Essential Tips on How to Prevent Package Theft
What to Do If Someone Stole My Amazon Package?
Cheap yet Reliable: Best Door Bell Cameras Under $100 for 2024
Beyond Mail Theft Protection: The Kangaroo Advantage
Kangaroo's commitment to enhancing home security is reflected in its significant package theft reduction over the past few years.
Kangaroo cameras offer more than just deterrence against mail theft. Here are some additional benefits:
Peace of Mind: Knowing your deliveries are monitored provides a sense of security, especially when you're away.
Remote Monitoring: Check in on your mailbox and doorstep anytime, anywhere with the Kangaroo app.
Two-Way Talk: Scare away potential thieves with a live voice interaction through the Kangaroo app.
Record and Review Footage: Capture video evidence of suspicious activity to share with law enforcement if necessary.
Real-Life Examples: How Kangaroo Helps Prevent Mail and Package Theft
These examples highlight how Kangaroo's security solutions can help deter and even prevent mail and package theft.
Sherry: "My neighbor reached around the porch divider and stole my package. Using an I/O Cam at a higher vantage point plus the siren would have prevented the theft."
Lynn: "Vandalism was caught on camera but was too late to notice it. An I/O cam would be perfect in this case, a good view of the area would allow notification to go off and the siren will deter them from continuing."
Kim: "Person came onto my porch, stole my package, slowly, avoiding the camera. Using a two-way talk would be good or a siren from an I/O Cam."
Taking Back Control
Mail theft doesn't have to be a constant worry. By implementing a few simple security measures, like collecting your mail promptly and utilizing a visible security camera system, you can significantly deter potential thieves. Kangaroo cameras offer a user-friendly solution with rich features to protect your deliveries and your home, giving you peace of mind and the ability to fight back against mail thieves.
Q&A: Protecting Your Mail from Theft
-
Mail theft is the crime of stealing mail from mailboxes, porches, or delivery vehicles.
-
Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages delivered to homes.
-
Here are some tips to prevent mail theft:
Collect your mail promptly after delivery.
Use the USPS Hold Mail service for temporary absences.
Sign up for Informed Delivery to track packages.
Consider using a secure mailbox or a package locker.
Use a video doorbell or security camera to monitor your porch.
Report any suspicious activity to the Postal Inspection Service or local law enforcement.
-
You can track your USPS package using the USPS Tracking website or the USPS mobile app. You'll need your tracking number.
-
If your USPS package is stolen, you should:
Contact the USPS to report the missing package.
File a report with the Postal Inspection Service.
Contact the sender of the package.
-
A USPS missing mail search is a process you can initiate to track down a missing mail item. You can initiate a search online or by contacting your local post office.
-
You can track your FedEx package using the FedEx Tracking website or app.
-
If your FedEx package is stolen, you should:
Contact FedEx to report the missing package.
File a police report.
Contact the sender of the package.
-
Yes, Kangaroo Home Security prioritizes user privacy. You have control over when motion recording occurs and how your data is stored. Refer to their privacy policy for more details.
-
A doorbell camera can deter porch pirates by recording video footage of anyone approaching your door. It can also help identify the thief if a package is stolen.
-
Yes, you should report package theft to the police. A police report can help you file a claim with your insurance company and may also help law enforcement identify and apprehend the thief.
