Most mail theft is done by so called low key criminals. Because stealing mail from a mailbox is so easy it's a low tech crime. I doesn't take much brain power to open the mailbox door and take the mail out.
There are 3 ways to cut down the chance of mail theft. The most obvious is don't use a mailbox. Use a locking mailbox is another way. There is also a way to know when your mail has come so a thief doesn't have a chance to take it.
The number one way to thwart mail theft is to not use a home mail box. Though the most positive, it is a big pain. You have to take your mail to work or take it to the post office. Even mail at work may not be theft proof. Having a Post Office Box is pretty safe. There are many problems with a P.O. Box like not having your key or not being open all hours.
The second way to discourage mail theft is a locking mailbox. A lot of people think a locking mailbox will solve the mail theft problem. Though partially correct, a locking mailbox is not theft proof.
I am going to tell you how I know this stuff. I am a retired rural mail carrier. I drove my own car mostly in rural areas and delivered mail. I delivered mail to a woman's shelter. They had a locking mailbox, for a good reason. One day the mailbox was gone. I found out that an irate husband wanted his wife's mail. Because the box was locked, he wrapped a chain around the post, hooked it up to his truck and took box and all down the street until he was caught.
The third way to stop mail theft is get the mail as soon as the mail person puts it in the mailbox. If there is someone home during the day like a retired, disabled or work at home person, getting the mail as soon as it comes is easy. You just need to know when the mail has come.
I am going to add a few tips to help you safeguard your mail. Put your mail in the box to go as late as you can before the mail carrier comes. Have the mail carrier leave a note if you have a package that won't fit in the mail box. As a carrier I disliked leaving a package on the porch. That was an open invitation saying: we are not home. Don't ever leave your mail in the mailbox over night. A flag up at night is saying: come and get it. If you are going to be gone for a day or two ask your regular mail carrier to hold the mail. In most instances he or she will remember to hold your mail. It is not easy as a mail carrier to remember to hold someones mail if there are a few people asking. If you are going to be gone three or more days go on line and fill out a hold request.
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