By Robert Haugh

We’ve been hearing about problems for awhile from neighbors and readers. Although during the pandemic, we’ve heard fewer complaints because people have been home. But mail theft in the Mission City is still a problem.

According to the Police Department, Santa Clara has experienced 19 reports of mail theft since November 2020. One arrest has been made regarding mail theft.

Here’s some advice the City has put out for residents: 

Steps to Take to Protect Yourself and Your Mail

• Do not send cash or gift cards
• Retrieve mail as soon after delivery as possible, or have a friend do it
• Sign up for Informed Delivery, a free feature allowing you to digitally preview your incoming mail and manage your arriving packages
• Sign up to receive your mail at a PO Box
• Install a locking mailbox, and be sure to lock your mailbox after each use
• Place outgoing mail in a USPS collection box
• Be certain to place your mail on hold with USPS if you are going to be away on vacation or business
• If you move, file a change of address with USPS
• When mailing something important, request signature confirmation
• Inquire about overdue mail with the sender 

Steps to Take if Your Mail or a Package has been Stolen

• Report mail theft or an incident of mailbox vandalism to USPS online or call 877-876-2455. Postal Inspectors investigate these crimes.
• Report mail or package theft to the Santa Clara Police Department online at www.scpd.org
• If you see someone actively tampering with a mailbox, immediately call 9-1-1.
• To report suspicious activity, call the non-emergency phone line at 408-615- 5580.