Deputies Warn Of Recent Mail Thefts In Sammamish

SAMMAMISH, WA — King County deputies are sharing some reminders about mail theft after recent incidents in the Sammamish area.

The sheriff's office said Monday that a resident called 911 on Nov. 3, reporting a large amount of stolen mail found in the street near 242nd Drive Southeast and Southeast 11th Place. The caller told deputies she heard a loud vehicle outside before the discovery.

When deputies arrived, they found several pieces of mail and packages, but heavy rainfall had destroyed some of the items. The sheriff's office said the mail that was salvageable was returned to the rightful owners.

The latest incident comes nearly a month after the Sammamish Police Department found garbage bags full of mail, including some ballots, which officers worked to return to their rightful owners.

Tips to prevent mail theft from the King County Sheriff's Office:

• Pick up mail promptly after delivery and do not leave in the mailbox overnight. If you are expecting checks or credit cards, consider asking a trusted friend to pick up your mail.
• Notify the post office when you'll be out of town so they can hold your mail.
• Choose a solid, locking mailbox that can be fastened securely to your home or a sturdy post.
• Consider exchanging work and vacation schedules with friends and neighbors and keep an eye on each other's homes and mailboxes.