Protect Against Mail Theft

Friday, December 4, 2015 at 12:00 AM

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:

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.
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.
Never leave mail in your mail box overnight.
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 .“

More from Local News

Man Dies Swimming at Lake Nighthorse

The water temperature at the time of the incident was recorded at approximately 57 degrees. Responders understood that entering the water too early, before narrowing the search area, could jeopardize rescuer safety and reduce the likelihood of successfully locating the victim. Rescue personnel strategically coordinated search efforts before entering the water.
Remainder of Piñon Hills Blvd. Extension Fully Funded

Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.
Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.