LASD - Altadena Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff

Jim McDonnell, Sheriff

Community: Mail theft safety tips.

As the holiday season approaches, Altadena Sheriff's Station deputies remain on the lookout for package thefts, and offer advice to residents to avoid becoming a victim of the 'porch pirates.'

Altadena Sheriff's Station is taking steps to help prevent package thefts during the holiday season, with patrol deputies increasing patrol checks in neighborhoods and detectives are working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Postmaster to investigate local mail theft.

Altadena Sheriffs are also asking for residents’ help to report any incidents of theft or other suspicious behavior. If you see a crime in progress, please use 911 to report. If you have information about mail thefts that have occurred in Altadena area, please contact our Detective Bureau at (626) 798-1131.

The following tips may prevent residents from being victim to mail and package thefts:

Use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.

Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don't leave it in your mailbox overnight.

Don’t send cash in the mail.

Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.

Report all suspected mail theft to the Sheriff's Station and the Postal Inspector.

Connect with your neighbors on the social network and form a neighborhood watch where you can watch each other's mailboxes (and homes).

Some homeowners use video surveillance cameras to detect motion in front of residence.

If you are expecting a package, use a tracking number to follow your package's status and request that your package delivery requires a recipient signature.

Utilize mail or text notifications regarding the status of your delivery; and consider purchasing a locking parcel delivery box that can be bolted down or otherwise secured.

Consider in-store delivery or have packages delivered to a reputable package pickup location, such as Amazon Locker or other business that accepts package deliveries. Residents could also request that the delivery service leaves your packages at a side door, back door, an enclosed porch or other area where the package will be out of sight.
If permissible, have your packages delivered to your workplace.

For full details, view this message on the web.