As the holiday season approaches, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies are reminding residents to keep careful watch for package thieves.

Patrol deputies will be conducting extra patrol checks in neighborhoods and detectives are working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Postmaster to investigate local mail theft.

Sheriff’s officials are also asking for residents’ help to report any incidents of theft or other suspicious behavior.

The following tips may prevent residents from being victim to mail and package thefts:

• Use the letter slots inside the Post Office for mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
• Pick up mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in the mailbox overnight.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• Tell the Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold the mail until you return.
• ​​​​Report all suspected mail theft to the Sheriff’s Station and the Postal Inspector.
• Connect with neighbors on the social network NextDoor.com and form a neighborhood watch to check each other’s mailboxes (and homes).
• Some homeowners use video surveillance cameras to detect motion in front of residence.
• If expecting a package, use a tracking number to follow the package’s status and request that the package delivery requires a recipient signature.
• Utilize mail or text notifications regarding the status of the delivery; and consider purchasing a locking parcel delivery box that can be bolted down or otherwise secured.
• Consider in-store delivery or have packages delivered to a reputable package pickup location, such as Amazon Locker or other business that accepts package deliveries. Residents could also request that the delivery service leaves any packages at a side door, back door, an enclosed porch or other area where they will be out of sight.
• If permissible, have your packages delivered to your workplace.

If you see a crime in progress, please use 9-1-1 to report. If you have information about mail thefts that have occurred in Santa Clarita Valley, please contact our Detective Bureau at (661) 255-1121 ext. 5146.

Anonymous tips for crimes (that are not in progress) can be submitted to LACrimeStoppers.org by calling (800)222-TIPS (8477), or by using the website LACrimeStoppers.org

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