Thieves Want Your Mail – Don’t Be a Victim

Mail theft and identity theft are exploding nationwide and certainly have affected citizens of San Leandro. Identity theft – where thieves appropriate a victim's personal information, such as name and credit card numbers, to run up bills and open new accounts – has been called the country’s fastest growing form of crime.

People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of their good name and credit record. Some victims have lost job opportunities, have been refused loans for education, housing and cars or have even been arrested for crimes they did not commit.

Because mailboxes contain a wealth of personal data such as checks, statements and pre-approved credit offers, they are prime targets of thieves looking to perpetrate identity theft and credit card/check fraud.

If you believe your mail has been stolen, call the San Leandro Police Department at (510) 577-2740 and also the local Post Office. You may also want to consider purchasing a locked mailbox.