West Seattle Crime Watch: Mail theft, again

| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

Just last night – as reported in our recap – the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network heard that mail theft seemed to be on the rise. Kathleen reports it happened in Highland Park just this morning, to a neighbor of hers around 12th and Kenyon:

Some jerk is going around RIGHT NOW stealing mail from flags-up outgoing mailboxes! My elderly neighbor just got hers taken.

We asked about a description, and received one this afternoon:

I finally got a possible description of the suspect: small-size pickup truck, light in color-maybe gray or cream, nicely dressed white male, slacks, shirt.

Here’s what the U.S. Postal Service says about preventing, and reporting, mail theft.

anonyme September 26, 2012 (6:41 pm)

This is so frustrating, as the Postal Service has all but made it impossible to post outgoing mail. A “flag up” is literally a red flag for identity/mail thieves, and there are no longer any neighborhood mailboxes. If you don’t work where there’s a mailbox, you have to drive to a Post Office. Pretty inefficient, not an environmentally sound practice, and for some – not possible. It’s a dilemma.

Rick September 26, 2012 (6:50 pm)

Rattlesnake in the mailbox would do the trick. Just be sure to warn the mailman. Had the same problem in rural Kitsap county so had all my mail delivered to my shop in W.S.

thegodshavegonecrazy September 26, 2012 (7:48 pm)

Stealing mail is a Federal offense, is it not? I hope these thieves are caught and have the book thrown at them.

WTF September 26, 2012 (9:37 pm)

Warn your mail carrier or put your mail on hold for a week, then (seriously) place a medium sized mouse trap on top of some fake mail and let your freak flag fly!

Alberto September 26, 2012 (10:46 pm)

The same people who steal cars also steal mail. Our stolen car was recovered by the police and had several pieces of mail inside. It was mostly junk mail from different addresses and we let the police know about it so they came over and picked it up. By the way, thanks to the collaboration of SPD and King County Police we got our car back….

Mike September 26, 2012 (11:12 pm)

Agree with thegodshavegonecrazy. I think it’s time that the FBI take some action on the rediculous number of mail thefts. Time for these jokers to spend time in the federal prison. Hope they like drug cartel bunk buddies.

Jenny DB October 3, 2012 (3:21 pm)

Mail theft is one of the most common ways thieves steal information for ID theft and most of the time it’s perpetuated by meth heads looking to fuel their drug habit. In the greater Seattle area where a lot of people have locking mailboxes, thieves will use crowbars to pry open low quality locking mailboxes. Use a heavy duty secure mailbox (like at McLendons or Junction True Value) and DO NOT send checks or other sensitive information from your mailbox. Even locking mailboxes don’t have outgoing mail security. Instead use a blue USPS mailbox or online bill pay – it’s more secure.

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