Woodbury Crime Alert: Mail And Package Theft

WOODBURY, MN — Over the last week, Woodbury Public Safety says it has received a number of reports of theft from residential mailboxes and front porches in various neighborhoods, with a cluster of mail theft in the Eagle Valley neighborhood. These criminals are looking for checks that can be altered and cashed for their benefit, according to authorities. Additionally, police say they are utilizing personal information to further victimize individuals through bank account and identity information.

Call 911 immediately if you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, authorities say. Below are tips provided by Woodbury Public Safety:

What to look for

• Suspicious people or vehicles stopping or moving slowly near mailboxes.
• Multiple open mailboxes and junk mail scattered on streets.
• If safe, try to obtain vehicle information-make, model and color, license plate, and direction of travel.

How to deter mail and package theft?

• Hand deliver your sensitive/valuable outgoing mail directly to the mail carrier or if possible, use a secured mailbox, like the ones at the post office.
• If you must place mail in a residential mailbox, do not raise the "red flag" as it can attract thieves.
• Consider using a P.O. Box or a mailbox that locks.
• When possible have packages delivered to a business address, or ask a neighbor to collect it from your step as soon as possible.
• Collect your mail from your mailbox as soon as possible.
• Do not let your mail sit in your mailbox overnight.
• Notify your post office if you are going out-of-town or have a trusted neighbor collect your mail during your absence.

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