Preventing Mail Theft
AlertOC is a county-wide mass notification system and
includes Laguna Niguel residents and businesses. This
rapid alerting system is designed to keep people informed
of emergency events impacting the local or regional
community. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive
voice messages from the City or County may be sent to
residential, cell or business phones. Text messages may
also be sent to cell phones, e-mail accounts and hearing
impaired receiving devices. Anyone may subscribe and
can choose how they wish to be alerted. There is no fee
for this service.
The theft of mail from residential mailboxes is an increasing problem.
Con artists use this as a means to obtain your identity information and
to steal checks and other items of value. This problem can be reduced or
minimized by following these tips:
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Emergencies can happen at any time. A wildfire could
spread or a flood can close roads to residents while they
are away from home. AlertOC is a critical link for the
affected community to immediately learn of any required
actions. Residents and business owners are encouraged to
self-register at the AlertOC web site at www.alertoc.com
to participate in the AlertOC Program.
If you would like more information, please email:
[email protected]
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Do not leave outgoing mail in your unlocked mailbox.
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Deposit mail in a blue collection box or inside your local
post office. Do not leave mail in a collection box that is full.
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Make sure your home mailbox is in good condition. Mail
that is exposed can be damaged by bad weather and is visible
to thieves.
n Promptly pick up your incoming mail after it is delivered.
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Get together with neighbors and the Postal Service and
arrange for the installation of locked group mailboxes for
neighborhood delivery. These are known as Neighborhood
Delivery and Collection Box Units (NDCBU). Each address has
an individual locked unit for delivery and collections.
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Purchase a locked mailbox or convert your unlocked box to
the lockable type. Make sure the mail slot is large enough for
the letter carrier to insert your mail.
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Arrange for your mail to be delivered to a Post Office box
for a small fee.
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Have regular income checks deposited electronically into
your bank account via direct deposit.
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Promptly contact the senders if you do not receive credit
cards, checks, or other valuable mail.
n Notify the post office and mailers if you change your
address. When going on vacation, have the post office hold
your mail or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your
mail after delivery.
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Be observant of activities on your street, including those
near your letter carrier, the postal vehicle, residential
mailboxes, and collection boxes.
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If you see suspicious persons or activity, call 911 while the
suspects are still present.
By following these tips and using common sense, you can lessen your
chances of being a victim of mail theft and possible identity theft. If you
have questions about postal regulations, contact your local postmaster.