City Of West Hollywood: City Of West Hollywood And West Hollywood Sheriff's Station Offer Tips On Keeping Mail Secure

Press release from the City of West Hollywood:

July 08, 2021 1:20 PM

The City of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station are responding to concerns from community members about theft of mail from residential mailboxes in the City of West Hollywood.

The Sheriff’s Station is currently reviewing reports of complaints of stolen mail in multiunit dwellings in the City of West Hollywood. According to reports filed with the Sheriff’s Station, when thefts do occur, they most frequently take place in apartment complexes and condominium buildings.

The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station has issued the following tips:

• Keep front doors closed — Make sure that entrances to buildings are closed and locked so that only residents can access mailbox areas.

• Check mail daily — Do not allow mail to sit in boxes for extended periods of time and make sure packages are picked up promptly.

• Install video surveillance — Request that homeowners associations and property management companies install video cameras in mailbox areas.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which supports and protects the nation’s mail system, has additional tips on how to protect your mail from thieves:

• To send mail, use the letter slots inside your local Post Office for your mail, or hand mail to a letter carrier.

• If you do not receive a check or other valuable mail you are expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

• If you change your address, immediately notify the Post Office.

• Do not send cash in the mail.

• Notify the Post Office when you will be out of town, so it can hold your mail until you return.

If you suspect mail theft or suspicious activity, report it immediately to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station by calling (310) 855-8850 and alert your letter carrier or local Post Office, as well.

For additional tips regarding Identity Theft Prevention, please visit the City of West Hollywood’s website page with crime and safety tips at www.weho.org/services/public-safety/crime-prevention-and-personal-safety-tips/internet-safety-identity-theft-prevention.

For more information, please call the City of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Department at (323) 848-6414. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

The City of West Hollywood has declared a local emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The City of West Hollywood’s coronavirus updates are available at www.weho.org/coronavirus. For up-to-date news and events, follow the City of West Hollywood on social media @WeHoCity and sign up for news updates at www.weho.org/email.

slunn@weho.org

This press release was produced by the City of West Hollywood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.