Mail Theft Spikes In San Rafael: Police

SAN RAFAEL, CA – Police are alerting residents to a recent increase in the number of reported mail thefts in San Rafael.

According to the San Rafael Police Department, a neighborhood surveillance camera on Southern Heights Boulevard captured video of a possible suspect vehicle shortly after 3:15 a.m. on June 2. Although the identity of the suspect could not be determined, the vehicle appears to be a late model, dark colored, four-door sedan with a spoiler on the trunk. Police said a passenger exited the vehicle and checked curbside mailboxes.

Police advise residents to be alert for suspicious people or vehicles near mailboxes.

In an effort to help protect residents from mail theft, officials are also encouraging residents to take the following preventative measures:

• Do not leave mail in your delivery unit overnight. This is usually when thieves attack.
• Use neighborhood watch and community review programs to deter vandals.
• Send outgoing mail at your local post office or hand it directly to your mail carrier.

In addition, residents can sign up for a service called Informed Delivery. Offered by the United States Postal Service, this free service provides subscribers with email notification of mail delivery, which includes images of what has been delivered to their mailbox.

Finally, police urge residents to report suspicious activity by calling the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000.

To report mail theft, visit postalinspectors.uspis.gov or call 877-876-2455.

Image via Shutterstock