Classical Carousel Midnight - 7:00am

Listen Live

Search

Protect Against Mail Theft

Friday, December 4, 2015 at 12:00 AM

To thieves, your mailbox is an open invitation to steal checks, cash, gifts, and other items you may be sending or receiving through the mail. LPCSO Public Information Officer Dan Bender said there is a surge in mail thefts every year during the 2 to 3 weeks leading up to Christmas. That surge has not yet begun, Bender said.

From the LaPlata Co. Sheriff's Office: As we enter the Holiday season, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office  is warning area residents to take steps to protect themselves from theft from their mailboxes.

 

To thieves, your mailbox is an open invitation to steal checks, cash, gifts, and other items you may be sending or receiving through the mail. LPCSO Public Information Officer Dan Bender said there is a surge in mail thefts every year during the 2 to 3 weeks leading up to Christmas. That surge has not yet begun, Bender said.  “We are encouraging people to close the barn door now before the horses get out, or the Grinches begin stealing your Christmas.”  While mail theft and identity theft  are  problems at all times, The Sheriff’s Office sees surges just before Christmas and during March/April when income tax refunds are sent by mail.

 

While mail theft occurs anyplace a mail box is unattended along the road, Bender said the most popular targets are rural areas where mailboxes are in clusters, or in rows of key locked mailboxes in subdivisions. These clusters allow thieves to hit dozens of mailboxes in one stop.  Just a few examples of where thefts have happened in the past: Rafter-J; CR 203, CR214/Rainbow Road; CR 222; CR 310; Vallecito; rural subdivisions near Ignacio.  In some cases, the entire bank of boxes have been ripped out of ground by use of a chain around the base and dragged off by a vehicle to be ransacked at more secluded location.    

 

You can reduce the chance of becoming a victim of mailbox theft, by following these steps:

 

  1. Do not put outgoing mail, especially checks and other mail with personal account information in your mail box. Drop it in secure US Postal Service boxes. 
  2. If you have no choice but to put outgoing mail in your personal mail box, put it in as close to the time your mail carrier makes pick-ups as possible.
  3. Never leave mail in your mail box overnight.
  4. Remove incoming mail as soon as possible after drop offs. Mail thieves can strike in broad daylight as well as at night, following behind the mail carrier.

 

“If you have any information regarding crimes or persons involved in crimes in Durango or La Plata County, you are urged to call CrimeStoppers  24 hours a day at (970) 247-1112, or text “TIPSTER”  (274637). You do not need to give your name, and you may be eligible for a substantial cash reward; or log onto www.DurangoLaPlataCrimeStoppers.org .“

Share

More from Local News

  • Farmington Hires New Museum Director

     “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

  • San Juan Co. Child Contracts Measles

    While the child caught measles outside San Juan County, people may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following locations, days and times:  San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 West Maple Street in Farmington on the following days and times:   Monday, May 26 from 10:30 p.m. - Tuesday, May 27 at 4:15 a.m.  Wednesday, May 28 from 2 - 4 p.m.   San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 South Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington:  Friday, May 30 from 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. 

  • Bloomfield Police Officer Dies from Injuries

    Officer Ontiveros has been with the Bloomfield Police Department since December 2024 and previously worked for the Farmington Police Department. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Aztec Fire Department since 2017.

  • Suspect Killed, Bloomfield Police Officer Injured after gunfight

    Bloomfield Police Department officers were conducting a traffic stop when the subject shot at an officer, striking the officer, and an officer’s weapon was also discharged. Tragically, the subject has died as a result of the incident. Their identity will be released by the Office of the Medical Investigator once next of kin have been notified.

  • Two Dead after Officer-Involved Shooting in Farmington

    According to initial witness statements, the male subject was in the passenger seat of a vehicle being driven by a female. Witnesses reported that the vehicle moved toward law enforcement officers while the male subject attempted to climb into the driver’s seat. Shots were fired by U.S. Marshals during the incident. Both the male subject and the female driver were pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured.

  • One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

    Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny

    High: 95°F | Low: 57°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 91°F | Low: 45°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny

    High: 95°F | Low: 59°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny

    High: 90°F | Low: 54°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny

    High: 90°F | Low: 57°F