How to Prevent Mail and Package Theft

 

By: Lucas Robinson, Founder and CEO of BudgetMailboxes.com 

Last Updated: October 2025

Mail theft has become a common security threat affecting millions of American households and businesses. Recent studies estimate that approximately 120 million packages were stolen in 2023, resulting in roughly $16 billion in losses nationwide. Nearly one-third of U.S. households report experiencing package theft, and repeat victimization is common.

Mail theft is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code §1708, punishable by fines and up to five years imprisonment. Beyond the immediate financial loss—averaging $130 per stolen package—mail theft can expose you to identity theft, fraudulent account openings, and months of recovery efforts.

If you've experienced a missing delivery or worry about mail security, this guide provides 10 proven, practical steps to prevent mail theft and protect your personal information. At Budget Mailboxes, we've spent years helping homeowners, property managers, and HOA boards solve mail security challenges with solutions that actually work.

Why Mail Theft Is on the Rise

Mail and package theft is typically an opportunistic crime. Thieves look for easy targets and quick wins, making residential and commercial properties with unsecured mail delivery prime opportunities.

What makes mail theft appealing to criminals:

• Speed and simplicity: A package on a porch can be grabbed in seconds with minimal effort
• Low prosecution risk: Arrest rates remain generally low, and incidents are often difficult to resolve
• Easy visibility: Packages left on doorsteps are visible from the street, and regular delivery patterns are easy to observe
• Peak vulnerability: Theft incidents spike during November–December holidays and weekday afternoons when residents are typically away from home

10 Proven Ways to Prevent Mail Theft

Step 1: Pick Up Your Mail Promptly

Why this matters: Uncollected mail signals an easy target. Thieves watch for accumulating mail and packages to identify homes where residents may be away or inattentive.

How to do it:

• Retrieve mail daily, including weekends and holidays
• Collect packages within an hour of delivery when possible
• Use USPS Informed Delivery® (free service) to receive digital previews of incoming mail and track packages
• Set calendar reminders or alerts for expected deliveries
• Never leave mail or packages unattended overnight

Cost: Free
Effort: Low (5 minutes daily)
Best for: Everyone—this is your first line of defense

Pro tip: Sign up for Informed Delivery at USPS.com to know exactly what's arriving each day.

Step 2: Use a Locked or Secure Mailbox

Why this matters: Physical security is the most reliable long-term prevention method. When theft persists—or you handle sensitive mail regularly—a locking mailbox removes the vulnerability of unsecured access.

How locking mailboxes work:

Postal carriers deposit mail through a secure incoming slot. Only you can retrieve mail using your personal key. Tampering with or destroying mail receptacles is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. §1705.

Step 3: Avoid Sending Cash or Sensitive Documents Through the Mail

Why this matters: Outgoing mail containing cash, checks, or sensitive documents creates opportunity for theft and fraud.

What to do instead:

• Never mail cash—use money orders, cashier's checks, or secure electronic transfers
• Avoid mailing personal checks when possible—use online bill pay through your bank
• Hand checks directly to your letter carrier or deposit at a post office instead of leaving in your mailbox
• Use certified or registered mail for important documents requiring proof of delivery
• Don't leave outgoing mail in your mailbox overnight—drop at USPS collection boxes or post office counters

Important: If you must mail checks or sensitive documents, take them directly inside a post office or use official USPS blue collection boxes during daytime hours (never after final pickup time).

Cost: Free (behavioral change)
Effort: Low (slight inconvenience)
Best for: Everyone handling financial transactions

Step 4: Use USPS Hold Mail Service When Traveling

Why this matters: Accumulating mail is a clear signal that no one is home, attracting thieves to your property.

How USPS Hold Mail works:

• USPS safely stores all mail at your local post office for up to 30 days
• Mail accumulates securely until you return or request delivery
• Service is free and can be scheduled online or at your local post office

How to set it up:

1. Visit USPS Hold Mail Service
2. Enter your dates of travel (minimum 3 days, maximum 30 days)
3. Choose whether to pick up held mail or have it delivered on your return date
4. Confirm your request online or at your local post office

Alternative for short trips: Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail daily if you'll only be away 1-2 days.

Cost: Free
Effort: Low (5-minute online setup)
Best for: Anyone traveling for 3+ days

Step 5: Control Delivery Timing and Location

Why this matters: Most theft occurs during predictable afternoon delivery windows when residents are away at work or school.

USPS delivery management tools (all free):

Informed Delivery®:

• Digital preview of incoming mail each morning
• Package tracking with expected delivery dates
• Manage eligible packages before delivery

USPS Delivery Instructions™:

• Request specific drop locations at your address for eligible packages
• Hold packages at your local post office for pickup
• In some cases, redirect to an alternate address on the carrier's route
• Sign digitally for eligible items via USPS Electronic Signature Online (eSOL™)

Note: Signature requirements are typically set by senders. Recipients can often sign digitally for eligible USPS items through eSOL.

UPS and FedEx options:

• UPS My Choice: Delivery alerts, rescheduling, and alternate location delivery
• FedEx Delivery Manager: Similar rescheduling and redirect options
• Both carriers offer package pickup at local stores and facilities

Package delivery strategies:

• Schedule deliveries for days when you'll be home
• Redirect packages to your workplace (check employer policies first)
• Use carrier pickup locations (UPS Store, FedEx Office, Walgreens, etc.)
• Provide specific delivery instructions (e.g., "Leave at side door" or "Back porch")

Cost: Free for most options (some services may incur fees)
Effort: Medium (initial account setup)
Best for: People away during typical delivery hours; high-value package recipients

Step 6: Install a Security Camera or Doorbell Camera

Why this matters: Visible cameras act as theft deterrents and provide evidence if theft occurs.

How security cameras help prevent mail theft:

• Deterrence effect: Thieves prefer easy targets; visible cameras make your property high-risk
• Live monitoring: Receive instant alerts when motion is detected at your door or mailbox
• Evidence collection: Video footage aids police investigations and insurance claims
• Two-way communication: Some models allow you to speak to delivery drivers or suspicious individuals remotely

Popular options:

• Video doorbells: Ring, Nest, Arlo (mount at front door with mailbox view)
• Outdoor security cameras: Dedicated cameras focused on mailbox and porch areas
• Complete security systems: Integrated home security with multiple camera angles

Best practices:

• Position cameras to capture clear views of your mailbox and front porch
• Ensure cameras have night vision capabilities for 24/7 monitoring
• Display visible signage indicating video surveillance is active
• Register cameras with local police programs where available

Important limitation: While cameras deter casual thieves and provide evidence, they don't physically prevent access to unsecured mailboxes. For maximum protection, combine cameras with locking mailboxes.

Cost: $50–$300+ depending on system
Effort: Low to Medium (installation)
Best for: Homeowners; renters with landlord permission

Step 7: Make Your Home Look Occupied

Why this matters: Thieves target homes that appear vacant or unmonitored, looking for accumulated mail and packages as indicators.

How to maintain an occupied appearance:

When you're away during the day:

• Use timed lights or smart plugs to turn on lights at realistic times
• Keep window treatments partially open as you normally would
• Park a vehicle in the driveway if possible
• Vary your mail pickup times so patterns aren't predictable

When traveling:

• Use USPS Hold Mail service (see Step 4)
• Have a neighbor park in your driveway occasionally
• Set lights on randomized timers (not the same schedule every day)
• Ask trusted neighbors to move any packages or items left at your door
• Maintain yard appearance (arrange lawn care, snow removal)

Vacation watch programs:

Many police departments offer free vacation watch services:

• Officers check your property during routine patrols
• Look for signs of suspicious activity or forced entry
• Contact you if issues are detected
• Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to enroll before traveling.

Cost: Free to minimal
Effort: Low (planning and coordination)
Best for: Everyone, especially during extended absences

Step 8: Don't Use Your Mailbox Flag for Outgoing Mail

Why this matters: A raised mailbox flag signals to thieves that you have outgoing mail—potentially containing checks, bill payments, or personal information.

The risk:

Thieves cruise neighborhoods looking for raised flags, knowing they can intercept:

• Personal checks (which can be altered or "washed")
• Account numbers and banking information
• Bill payments containing credit card details
• Tax documents and other sensitive mail

What to do instead:

• Drop outgoing mail directly at a post office counter during business hours
• Use official USPS blue collection boxes in high-traffic, well-lit areas
• Hand mail directly to your letter carrier during delivery
• Use online bill pay through your bank to avoid mailing checks entirely
• Never leave outgoing mail in your mailbox overnight with the flag raised

Timing matters: If using USPS collection boxes, deposit mail well before the final pickup time listed on the box. Mail deposited after the last pickup sits overnight—creating vulnerability.

Cost: Free (behavioral change)
Effort: Low (slight inconvenience)
Best for: Everyone, especially those mailing checks or sensitive documents

Step 9: Shred Sensitive Documents Before Disposing

Why this matters: "Dumpster diving" is a common tactic criminals use to gather personal information for identity theft and fraud.

What thieves look for in your trash:

• Bank statements and credit card offers
• Tax documents and W-2 forms
• Medical bills and insurance statements
• Utility bills with account numbers
• Pre-approved credit applications
• Any document containing your name, address, and account details together

How to protect yourself:

• Use a cross-cut shredder (not strip-cut—easier to reassemble)
• Shred anything with account numbers, SSN, or medical information
• Keep a "shred box" and process documents weekly
• Shred junk mail containing personal information (pre-approved credit offers, insurance quotes)
• Consider "locked trash" or secure disposal if theft is a neighborhood problem

What needs shredding:

✓ Financial statements (bank, credit card, investment)
✓ Medical bills and insurance documents
✓ Tax documents and pay stubs
✓ Cancelled checks and deposit slips
✓ Credit card offers and applications
✓ Utility bills (after payment confirmation)
✓ Old IDs, expired credit cards, and documents with signatures

Cost: $30–$60 for a quality cross-cut shredder
Effort: Low (2-5 minutes weekly)
Best for: Everyone—this is essential identity theft prevention

Step 10: Stay Alert and Join a Neighborhood Watch

Why this matters: Community awareness and collaboration significantly reduce crime rates, including mail theft. Thieves avoid neighborhoods where residents actively monitor suspicious activity.

How neighborhood watch helps prevent mail theft:

• Increased surveillance: More eyes watching for suspicious vehicles and individuals
• Rapid reporting: Quick communication when theft occurs, helping police respond faster
• Deterrence effect: Thieves avoid neighborhoods with active watch programs
• Shared information: Neighbors alert each other about recent incidents and patterns
• Collective action: Communities can petition for better lighting, security measures, or increased police patrols

How to participate:

Join an existing program:

• Contact your local police department's community relations division
• Search for neighborhood associations in your area
• Connect through apps like Nextdoor or Ring Neighbors
• Attend community meetings and HOA gatherings

Start a neighborhood watch:

• Contact the National Neighborhood Watch Program for resources
• Work with your local police to establish an official program
• Organize informational meetings with neighbors
• Create communication channels (group text, email list, social media)

Best practices for mail security:

• Exchange contact information with immediate neighbors
• Alert neighbors when you'll be traveling (ask them to watch your mail)
• Report suspicious vehicles or individuals loitering near mailboxes
• Share information about theft incidents through neighborhood channels
• Coordinate delivery pickups for each other when needed

Cost: Free
Effort: Low to Medium (depends on involvement level)
Best for: Everyone—community security benefits all residents

Report Suspicious Activity and Mail Theft

If you witness mail theft in progress or discover your mail has been stolen, take immediate action.

During active theft (in progress):

• Call 911 immediately—mail theft is a federal crime
• Note descriptions of suspects and vehicles (license plates, distinguishing features)
• Do not confront thieves directly—your safety comes first
• Provide police with any video evidence from security cameras

After discovering mail theft:

Step 1: Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

• Phone: 1-877-876-2455 (Press 3 for mail theft reporting)
• Online: File a complaint at USPIS.gov/report
• USPIS is the federal law enforcement arm that investigates mail crimes

Step 2: File a local police report

• Contact your local police department's non-emergency line
• File an official report for insurance and documentation purposes
• Combining USPIS and local police reports strengthens your case

Step 3: Monitor for identity theft

• Place a fraud alert with one credit bureau (they notify the others)
• Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com (free weekly access)
• Monitor bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity
• Create a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov (FTC resource)
• Notify banks and card issuers about potential exposure

Step 4: Request missing mail investigation

• For untracked mail items, file a "Where Is My Mail?" request at USPS.com
• Follow up with your local post office for investigation status

Note: We'll be publishing a detailed guide on responding to mail theft soon. 

Why Locking Mailboxes Are the Most Reliable Long-Term Solution

While behavioral changes and deterrents help reduce mail theft risk, only physical security completely prevents unauthorized access to your mail.

Consider a locking mailbox if you:

• Have experienced mail theft previously
• Regularly receive sensitive documents (financial statements, medical bills, tax forms)
• Live in an area with reported mail theft incidents
• Travel frequently or have irregular mail pickup schedules
• Operate a home-based business receiving checks or confidential documents
• Want permanent protection without daily vigilance

For property managers and HOA boards:

If you're facing repeated tenant complaints about mail theft, USPS-approved cluster mailbox units with integrated parcel lockers provide:

• Permanent, theft-resistant solution that reduces liability
• USPS compliance for new construction and major renovations
• Improved resident satisfaction and reduced management burden
• Professional appearance with architectural finish options
• Accommodates growing package volume with adequate parcel locker capacity

With national losses in the billions annually and widespread victimization, locking mailboxes remove the primary vulnerability: unsecured mail access.

What Budget Mailboxes Offers

At Budget Mailboxes, we specialize in USPS-approved mail security solutions for residential and commercial properties nationwide.

Our product expertise:

• Locking residential mailboxes: Wall-mount and curbside post-mount styles with weather-resistant construction and reinforced locks
• Cluster mailbox units (CBUs): USPS-approved pedestal systems for multi-unit properties (8-16 compartments)
• 4C horizontal mailbox systems: Wall-mounted centralized delivery for apartments and condos
• Parcel lockers: Secure package delivery solutions for high-volume properties
• Column mailboxes: Decorative options with locking compartments available
• Replacement parts: Locks, keys, and components for existing mailbox systems

Trusted brands we carry:

• Florence Corporation (USPS-approved cluster and 4C systems)
• Salsbury Industries (commercial and residential security mailboxes)
• Multiple finish options including architectural and decorative styles

Why customers choose Budget Mailboxes:

✓ USPS compliance expertise: We help you navigate regulations and select code-compliant products
✓ Competitive pricing: Quality security solutions at accessible price points
✓ Expert consultation: Our team recommends products based on your property type, mail volume, and security needs
✓ Fast U.S. shipping: Quick delivery to protect your mail sooner
✓ Comprehensive selection: Residential, commercial, and specialty mailbox solutions

Need help choosing the right mailbox?

Contact our team for personalized recommendations based on your specific security requirements. We'll guide you through USPS compliance, installation considerations, and product selection. Contact our team for more information.

How can I tell if my mail was stolen?

Common signs include missing expected checks, credit cards, bills, or packages; opened or tampered envelopes; new credit cards or bank statements you didn't request; and neighbors reporting similar incidents. If you suspect theft, report it immediately to USPIS and local law enforcement.

What should I do if my mail is stolen?

Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (Press 3) or file an online report at USPIS.gov/report. Also file a local police report and monitor your credit reports and bank accounts for signs of identity theft or fraud.

Will USPS deliver to locking curbside mailboxes?

Yes—choose a USPS-approved, STD-7C compliant model with an incoming slot sized for normal mail and small parcels. Carriers deposit mail through the slot; only you can retrieve it with your key.

Can I require a signature for package delivery?

Signature requirements are typically set by senders. Recipients can often sign digitally for eligible USPS items using Electronic Signature Online (eSOL™). Contact senders to request signature confirmation for valuable packages.

 

Are locking mailboxes weather-resistant?

Quality locking mailboxes feature weather-resistant construction using galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum. Look for USPS-approved models specifically rated for outdoor installation to ensure longevity.

Summary: Protect Your Mail, Protect Your Identity

Mail and package theft affects millions of Americans annually, resulting in billions in losses and exposing victims to identity theft risks. The most effective prevention strategy combines smart habits with physical security measures:

Essential habits:

• Pick up mail daily and use USPS Informed Delivery
• Avoid mailing cash and sensitive documents
• Use USPS Hold Mail when traveling
• Control delivery timing and locations
• Shred sensitive documents before disposal

Physical security:

• Install locking mailboxes for residential properties
• Implement cluster mailbox systems with parcel lockers for multi-unit properties
• Add visible deterrents (cameras, lighting, signage)
• Make your home appear occupied

Community awareness:

• Join neighborhood watch programs
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Share information with neighbors
• Support collective security measures

Small preventive actions dramatically reduce your risk of mail theft and identity fraud. Whether you need a residential locking mailbox or a commercial cluster system for your property, Budget Mailboxes offers USPS-approved solutions backed by expert guidance.

Take action today: Browse our security mailbox selection or contact our team for personalized recommendations tailored to your property and security needs.

Visit USPS's official mail security page for additional resources and reporting options.

About the Author

Lucas Robinson is the Founder and CEO of BudgetMailboxes.com, a leading online retailer of residential and commercial mailboxes, cluster box units, and mail security solutions. Budget Mailboxes is owned by Venia Products LLC, a multi-brand e-commerce company specializing in home improvement categories.

With extensive experience serving homeowners, property managers, and HOA boards nationwide, Lucas has helped thousands of customers protect their mail through USPS-approved security solutions. Budget Mailboxes combines product expertise, regulatory knowledge, and customer education to deliver reliable mail security for residential and commercial properties.