January 21, 2011 > Mail Theft Mail Theft Submitted By Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD Mail theft is a significant problem that is often preventable. Avoid becoming a victim of mail theft by following these tips: * Don't leave outgoing mail in an unlocked box. Take it to the post office or a retail mail service store. If you don't have a choice and must leave outgoing mail in your mailbox, do this immediately before the letter carrier arrives. * Avoid leaving mail out in your mailbox on Sundays and holidays, when letter carriers don't provide services. * Consider replacing your current mailbox with one that has a locking device. * Never raise the mailbox flag. The red flag sticking up is an open invitation to thieves. * Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail when you are out of town. * Arrange to pick up newly ordered checks at the bank instead of receiving them by mail. * Use gel pens to write and sign checks. The ink in gel pens is resistant to chemicals used in check washing schemes. * Check your bank statements frequently. * Always shred your personal documents and credit cards before discarding them.