West Seattle Crime Watch: Two theft alerts – car and mail

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports to share this morning – first, a stolen car (with a photo); second, stolen mail, and where part of it turned up – read on for both:

From JT, who also sent the photo:

I wanted to add to the Crime Watch section that my 2002 Mazda Protege, tan color with dark-tinted windows, was stolen from the Westhaven apartments on SW Holden St (map) sometime between 10:30pm on 5/1/10 and 2pm on 5/2/10. License plate # 368-RZX.

From Megan:

We live on the corner of 45th and Hanford (map), and someone stole our mail earlier this week. The person who stole our it tried to cash one our checks at the Burien Moneytree, but luckily they thought it looked suspicious and didn’t cash it. Just thought I’d pass this along. I suppose it’s a good reminder not to leave your bills for your letter carrier…

Mike May 7, 2010 (11:40 am)

Stolen mail is handled by the feds. How soon until the FBI jumps on these cases?

Ken May 7, 2010 (1:24 pm)

I’m always surprised mail theft doesn’t happen more often, federal crime or not. Maybe time to get a locking mailbox.

Audrey May 7, 2010 (1:43 pm)

Even with a locking mailbox, once the outgoing “flag” is up, anyone can slip in and take the mail out. I’m with Megan, hand it to the carrier or mail it — there are still a few mailboxes left :)

Sorry Megan.

saney May 7, 2010 (1:47 pm)

there is a drop box on the corner of hanford and california. that is where my outgoing mail goes.

Elliott May 7, 2010 (3:17 pm)

Ya know, our mail has been non-existent or has been showing up at really odd times lately. My parents mailed my son a birthday card (they live in Tacoma) and it arrived approximately 2 weeks after they sent it. In the past they would put it in the mail and the next day we would have it. I think someone may be out there stealing mail on the northern part of west seattle.

Twiggie May 7, 2010 (4:46 pm)

I am sorry that your mail was stolen Megan, but I know at Moneytree if someone is attempting to cash a fraudulent check they fill out a report and contact the athorities. I hope they are able to find these theives.

S5 May 8, 2010 (2:39 am)

Elliott – I live in the northern part of West Seattle and I would concur that something is up with the mail delivery. I usually get at least one piece of mail per day, but in the past few weeks, it can be up to 4-5 days before I see anything in my box. I’ve been getting all the “important” mail (bank and credit card statements, etc.), so I don’t believe it’s a theft issue…but something is definitely up. USPS cut-backs?

Chris May 10, 2010 (12:46 pm)

It sucks that people keep thinking it’s ok to take somebody elses car. insurance or not that car meant alot to it’s owner (I know we are related) and now she is not even sure how to proceed with the next car cause she is just worried it will get stolen again.

Jenny DB May 11, 2010 (2:48 pm)

Mail Theft is a huge problem not just in West seattle but across the country. One of the hardest things about it is you rarely know what you’re expecting or when something is “missing” – to prevent mail identity theft you need to:

(1) Use a high security locking mailbox that cannot be fished or pried like the Mail Boss (available at West Seattle Junction True Value) to secure INCOMING MAIL

(2) Bring sensitive outgoing mail to the post office or a blue USPS collection box, DO NOT leave it in your box with the flag up which is a signal to thieves

(3) SHRED all sensitive documents (most of which comes in your unlocked mailbox!) before discarding them so thieves can’t steal your mail from the trash.

If you think your mail has been stolen, first put a credit alert with your credit bureau (they will communicate with all 3) and then ALWAYS contact the police, the USPIS and file a report with the FTC.

Sorry, comment time is over.