West Seattle Crime Watch: Mail theft didn’t end with Christmas

We heard a lot about mail theft and package theft before Christmas. Here’s the first report we’ve had since then, from a West Seattleite who didn’t want her name published:

Between 6:45 pm on Dec. 31st and 10 am on Jan. 1st, mail from our house on 35th Ave SW just south of SW Alaska [map], was stolen! We have two mailboxes, and both were cleared out, along with a small package for our neighbor. Just a warning for people in the area, this may have been random, but it is something to think about when leaving mail on a front porch on a busy street! This was reported to the police but we haven’t heard anything from them regarding the incident.

The USPS has its own investigators to deal with mail theft, and you can file a report with them by going here. P.S. – After taking December off, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes monthly meetings in two weeks, on Tuesday, January 17th, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room; if you have neighborhood crime concerns, that’s one place to bring them to police attention, face to face. The West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network is scheduled to meet again toward month’s end; keep an eye on their site.

4 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: Mail theft didn't end with Christmas"

  • Mike January 2, 2012 (9:51 pm)

    Just noticed the link posted above, editing that out of my post.

    .

    Report all mail theft! Federal crimes = federal prison. Lock’em up!

  • Jim P. January 3, 2012 (9:39 am)

    We all need to look out for each other and keep a wary eye on things. Thefts like this require privacy and complacency.

    I *really* hate to use anything TSA comes up with but their slogan “See something, say something.” is entirely apropos.

    If you see someone suspicious, sometimes just a gentle question or two can send them scurrying: “Was there something you wanted?” or “I haven’t seen you around here before, can I help you?”

    Non-confrontational and delivered from a safe distance but it shows them that they are being watched and that people are alert. Those are two of the biggest worries a thief of opportunity has.

    But do be careful, some can turn violent. There’s no gift package worth your life. Their life is a different story but that’s a discussion for another place and time.

  • Cindertang January 3, 2012 (8:19 pm)

    I live on 25th ave sw My neighbor just informed me of all the mail boxes on our block are open and empty , sure enough the are has any one seen any thing today?

  • sarelly January 4, 2012 (12:07 pm)

    To respond to Jim P.’s comment, I would add that it’s also nice to refrain from acting blatantly paranoid. Don’t “profile” people for walking on a public street. If somebody’s not on your lawn, knocking on the door, or looking in your window, please give him or her the benefit of the doubt.

    A courier said they delivered a package to our house, but the vendor said it was “lost.” If it was actually delivered, somebody stole it.

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