WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Postmaster is warning residents to take steps to prevent mail theft after several recent thefts have been reported throughout the city.
According to Postmaster Alejandra Alvarado, there have been as many as three reports per week since November of stolen mail and packages, a problem happening countywide.
“We are aware, but unfortunately there is really nothing that we can do to prevent it on our end,” Alvarado said. “But we are doing our best to prevent it.”
Local postal officials have begun to deliver mail as early as 6am in an effort to stop the thefts, which typically occur in the late-night hours. USPS is also changing the locks on many common-area mailbox banks.
But residents can take their own precautions, Alvarado said. This includes picking up mail daily.
Other anti-theft measures:
• Putting locks on roadside mailboxes in rural areas
• Customers who live in homeowners associations should ask for newer and more secure boxes
• Leave instructions for carriers regarding packages that must be left
• Install security cameras
• If you have security cameras, check your footage to see if a theft was captured on video
To report mail theft, call 877.876.2455.
our Watsonville postmaster is correct. I bring all my mail to the lobby and put it the mail drop in the fover. leave NOTHING in your mail box. do not ask neighbors to use it as a delivery spot for unstamped or unmetered items. it is illegal. and lock up your mail.