Kalispell Police warn about mail theft

The Kalispell Police Department is urging people to protect their mail after investigating a number of thefts of mail in the last few months.

Thieves are targeting checks written to other parties and using various methods to “wash” the checks. The perpetrators then write the checks out in a way that is beneficial to them. The thieves often use false identities as recipients of the checks.

The Postal Inspector’s Office and Kalispell Police Department issued the following recommendations on preventing mail theft:

n Don’t leave your mail or parcels unattended – especially overnight. You wouldn’t leave your wallet or purse on the front seat of your unlocked car in the driveway at night. Neither should you leave your mail or parcels unprotected for any length of time. Remember: Your mailbox is not your backup file cabinet. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, every single day, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards or other negotiable items.

n Always deposit your outgoing mail in a mail slot at your post office, or hand it directly to your letter carrier. Never place outgoing mail in your mailbox. Avoid sending cash by mail.

n Upgrade the security for all your mail, not just your parcels. Consider renting a post office box. Your mail remains secure within the post office, accessible only when using the right key or combination. Many post office lobbies are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

n Purchase and install a locking mail box.

n Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes as well as homes.

n Secure your shipment using U.S. Postal Service Signature Services, which help ensure your package ends up in the right hands by requiring a signature at time of delivery.

n Be a buddy – help a neighbor in need. If you have a stay-at-home neighbor, enlist his or her help. Ask to schedule your package deliveries to their address, increasing the likelihood someone will be home to receive your package.

n Consider an alternate shipping address. Some employers will allow you to ship small amounts of personal items to your work location. Inquire whether your employer will allow you to do so, and plan your shipment accordingly.

If you believe you see mail theft in progress, contact the Kalispell Police Department at 758-7780. If you have any questions, call Investigations Capt. Doug Overman at 758-7793.