In recent weeks, Redwood Shores has seen a rise in mail theft in our neighborhood. Other than stimulus checks and tax refunds, thieves are typically looking for mail with any personally identifiable information such as names, date of birth, financial statements, account numbers, and social security numbers.

What Can I Do to Prevent Mail Theft?

1. Do not leave important mail in an unlocked mailbox.
   Promptly pick up your incoming mail as soon as it’s delivered. For outgoing items, consider taking it to the Post Office, a blue collection box, or handing it to the letter carrier. See the map below for bin locations and pick up times in the Shores.
2. Be aware of what’s coming.
   Informed Delivery is a free online service by the Post Office that sends daily digital previews to your email of your letter-sized mail scheduled for delivery. FedEx and UPS also provide free package tracking with options such as alternate delivery, “leave at” instructions and estimate delivery windows.
3. If you see something, say something!
   If you see suspicious activity or believe you are a victim of mail theft, please report the incident to the Redwood City Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If a crime is in progress, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
4. Lights, Camera, Action!
   If you have a smart doorbell or outdoor security camera, make sure it captures your mailbox. If you see or hear about suspicious activity in your area, please check your camera footage and share it with the RCPD and Postal Inspection Service.
5. Hold your mail.
   If you anticipate not being home for an extended time, you can place a request with the Post Office for Hold Mail (up to 30 days) or Temporary Forwarding (up to 1 year).
6. Go green.
   Most businesses and government agencies provide an option for direct deposit and paperless billing. It’s fast, easy, and usually free! Ask your bank for details.
7. If you must mail sensitive information, consider using Certified Mail.
   Certified Mail is a service that provides senders with proof of mail. Depending on the requested services, prices for Certified Mail range between $3.55 and $9.00 per item. To send confidential mail (e.g., legal contracts, classified government material), consider using Registered Mail.
8. Monitor your accounts.
   Even if you are not a victim of mail theft, you should monitor your bank accounts activity regularly and report suspicious activity to your financial institution and RCPD.
9. Opt-Out of Credit Card Solicitations.
   Those prescreened card and insurance offers are annoying, but also raises the risk of identity theft. Luckily, federal law gives you the right to stop these offers. To opt-out, send your request at OptOutPreScreen.com.
10. Get rid of junk mail.
    While junk mail doesn’t have much impact on mail or identity theft, why not get rid of it altogether? DMAchoice is a non-profit organization that provides you the ability to manage unsolicited marketing preferences. You can register at DMAchoice.org for a processing fee of $2 for a 10-year removal period.