'Wouldn't have ever known': West Omaha mail theft warn community (2024)

I’LL SHOW YOU HOW HOT THAT’S COMING UP. BACK TO YOU. THANKS, LUKE. IS SOMEBODY STEALING YOUR MAIL? RECENT VICTIMS WARN YOU SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR POLICE. DATA POINTS TO A RISE IN MAIL THEFTS AND KETV NEWSWATCH SEVEN’S ERIN HAGERTY IS LIVE DOWNTOWN WITH DETAILS ON THIS. ERIN. YEAH. ROB. JULIE. THE U.S. POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE SAYS MAIL THEFT OFTEN ISN’T A PETTY CRIME. INSTEAD, IT’S CARRIED OUT BY SOPHISTICATED CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS. THEY SAY THE PRIMARY INTENT IS TO STEAL YOUR MONEY OR YOUR IDENTITY NEAR 144TH AND BLONDO, A BOLD CRIME IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. A PAIR OF PEOPLE IN A BLUE CAR SEE THE FLAG UP ON KASEY DANIEL’S MAILBOX AND QUICKLY TAKE THE OUTGOING MAIL RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. SO I WATCHED THE WHOLE THING. I WAS I WAS KIND OF SHOCKED, LIKE I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO AT FIRST. I ALMOST AND THEN I WAS LIKE, YEAH, THEY’RE JUST STEALING MY MAIL. DANIEL SAW IT OUT HER WINDOW AS SHE WAS WORKING FROM HOME. I WAS ACTUALLY JUST SENDING A LETTER TO A FRIEND, SO I’M HAPPY THAT IT WAS NOTHING MORE. I JUST FELT REALLY VIOLATED AND I PROBABLY WOULDN’T HAVE EVER KNOWN THAT IT DIDN’T MAKE IT TO MY FRIEND UNLESS I HAD JUST WITNESSED IT. SHE THINKS THEY WERE LOOKING FOR OUTGOING CHECKS TO TO LAUNDER AND PAY THEMSELVES MAIL THEFT SEEMS TO BE ON THE RISE IN ALL OF 2022. THERE WERE 42 REPORTS TO OMAHA POLICE, BUT IN JUST THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR 44 HAVE BEEN REPORTED. IF THERE ARE ANY NEIGHBORHOODS THAT BELIEVE THEY’D BE SAFE FROM MAIL THEFT, RESIDENTS AT 168TH AND WEST CENTER SAY THEY WOULD BE AMONG THEM. WE HAVE METAL DOORS WITH LOCKS, SO YOU ASSUME THAT THERE’S ADDITIONAL SECURITY THERE. WE HAD ABOUT 40 OF OUR 60 MAILBOX BROKEN INTO AND MAIL STOLEN. THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT FOR THE AREA, GREG SCAGLIONE, SAYS IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT LAST MONTH. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS NEIGHBOR, THEIR MAILBOX DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE AT ALL. HE THINKS THEY WERE AFTER SENSITIVE INFORMATION TO STEAL IDENTITIES. YOU EXPECT THAT WHEN YOU HAVE MAILBOXES THAT PEOPLE WILL HONOR THAT THAT’S OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY. IT’S VERY FRUSTRATING. AND THE POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE WANTS TO HELP YOU KEEP YOUR MAIL SAFE. THEY SAY YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR INFORMED DELIVERY ONLINE. THAT WAY YOU KNOW WHAT SHOULD BE SHOWING UP IN THE MAIL. AND THEY SAY YOU SHOULDN’T LET MAIL SIT IN THE BOX VERY LONG. IF YOU’RE GOING OUT OF TOWN, YOU CAN PLACE A HOLD ON YOUR MAIL AT THE POST OFFICE. WE HAV

If she didn't see it happen, Kassi Daniels says she might've never found out a letter she was trying to send to a friend was stolen out of her mailbox."I just felt really violated," she told KETV.It happened earlier this month near 144th and Blondo. A car pulled up to her mailbox with the flag up, stopped, and took the letter. She thinks the driver and a passenger were looking for outgoing checks to launder.The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says often mail theft isn't a petty crime. Instead, it's carried out by "sophisticated criminal organizations." The primary goal is to take your money or your identity.Between the 2019 and 2023 fiscal years, the Postal Inspection Service says reports of high-volume mail theft more than doubled. They increased 139% to nearly 50,000. In the spring of 2023, the Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service launched an initiative in response.Omaha saw a similar increase between 2022 and 2023, according to data provided by Omaha Police.The department found 42 mail theft reports from 2022. That more than doubled in 2023 to 91. This year, Omaha is on track for a similar number, with 44 reports through June.Related Coverage: Douglas County deputies arrest 2 people accused in 'prevalent' mail theft in Omaha area If there are any neighborhoods that believe they'd be safe from mail theft, residents of the Legacy subdivision near 168th and West Center Road say they would be among them.There, the mailboxes lock. But the homeowner's association president for the area, Greg Scaglione, says about 40 of 60 mailboxes were pried open overnight last month. Some wouldn't close again and needed to be replaced.He believes they were after sensitive information to steal identities."You expect that when you have mailboxes that people will honor that that's other people's property," he said. "It's very frustrating."Scaglione is hopeful the neighborhood will get justice. He said a camera was able to read most of the license plate of a vehicle of interest. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided these tips:Don’t leave delivered mail and packages unattended. Just as wallets and purses shouldn’t be left on the front seat of an unlocked car overnight, mail and packages shouldn’t be left uncollected in mailboxes or on front porches for any length of time.Customize the delivery. If the package doesn’t fit in the mailbox and the customer won’t be home to receive it, the customer can provide delivery instructions online and authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified location. Visit USPS.com, enter the tracking number and select Delivery Instructions.Going out of town? Hold mail at the local Post Office. Instead of risking leaving a package or other mail unattended for an extended period of time, customers planning on being away from home for a few days are encouraged to take advantage of the Hold Mail service on USPS.com. Letters and packages will be held securely at the local Post Office until the customers return.Secure the shipment using USPS Special Services. Signature Confirmation helps ensure the package ends up in the right hands by requiring the recipient’s first initial and last name at the time of delivery. For the most valuable packages, customers can opt for Registered Mail service. A Registered Mail® piece receives special handling from the time it’s mailed until it’s delivered, documenting the chain of custody.Plan ahead. Ship using Hold for Pickup. When shipping packages, customers can choose the Hold for Pickup option, and the recipients can collect the packages at their local Post Office. For customers receiving packages, they can redirect incoming packages to their local Post Office by selecting Hold for Pickup using USPS Package Intercept on USPS.com.Monitor your front door. If you have a home security camera system, ensure it captures activity at your front door and mailbox. If you catch any mail thieves in the act, save the video and alert your local Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455. Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox. You can significantly reduce the chance of being victimized by simply removing your mail from your mailbox every day. Deposit outgoing mail through a number of secure manners including inside your local Post Office or at your place of business or by handing it to a letter carrier. Sign up for Informed Delivery and get daily digest emails that preview your mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon. Become involved and engaged in your neighborhood via neighborhood watches and local social media groups to spread awareness and share information. Keep an eye out for your letter carrier. If you see something that looks suspicious, or you see someone following your carrier, call 911. Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455.Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

OMAHA, Neb. —

If she didn't see it happen, Kassi Daniels says she might've never found out a letter she was trying to send to a friend was stolen out of her mailbox.

"I just felt really violated," she told KETV.

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It happened earlier this month near 144th and Blondo. A car pulled up to her mailbox with the flag up, stopped, and took the letter. She thinks the driver and a passenger were looking for outgoing checks to launder.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says often mail theft isn't a petty crime. Instead, it's carried out by "sophisticated criminal organizations." The primary goal is to take your money or your identity.

Between the 2019 and 2023 fiscal years, the Postal Inspection Service says reports of high-volume mail theft more than doubled. They increased 139% to nearly 50,000. In the spring of 2023, the Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service launched an initiative in response.

Omaha saw a similar increase between 2022 and 2023, according to data provided by Omaha Police.

The department found 42 mail theft reports from 2022. That more than doubled in 2023 to 91. This year, Omaha is on track for a similar number, with 44 reports through June.

Related Coverage: Douglas County deputies arrest 2 people accused in 'prevalent' mail theft in Omaha area

If there are any neighborhoods that believe they'd be safe from mail theft, residents of the Legacy subdivision near 168th and West Center Road say they would be among them.

There, the mailboxes lock. But the homeowner's association president for the area, Greg Scaglione, says about 40 of 60 mailboxes were pried open overnight last month. Some wouldn't close again and needed to be replaced.

He believes they were after sensitive information to steal identities.

"You expect that when you have mailboxes that people will honor that that's other people's property," he said. "It's very frustrating."

Scaglione is hopeful the neighborhood will get justice. He said a camera was able to read most of the license plate of a vehicle of interest.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided these tips:

  • Don’t leave delivered mail and packages unattended. Just as wallets and purses shouldn’t be left on the front seat of an unlocked car overnight, mail and packages shouldn’t be left uncollected in mailboxes or on front porches for any length of time.
  • Customize the delivery. If the package doesn’t fit in the mailbox and the customer won’t be home to receive it, the customer can provide delivery instructions online and authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified location. Visit USPS.com, enter the tracking number and select Delivery Instructions.
  • Going out of town? Hold mail at the local Post Office. Instead of risking leaving a package or other mail unattended for an extended period of time, customers planning on being away from home for a few days are encouraged to take advantage of the Hold Mail service on USPS.com. Letters and packages will be held securely at the local Post Office until the customers return.
  • Secure the shipment using USPS Special Services. Signature Confirmation helps ensure the package ends up in the right hands by requiring the recipient’s first initial and last name at the time of delivery. For the most valuable packages, customers can opt for Registered Mail service. A Registered Mail® piece receives special handling from the time it’s mailed until it’s delivered, documenting the chain of custody.
  • Plan ahead. Ship using Hold for Pickup. When shipping packages, customers can choose the Hold for Pickup option, and the recipients can collect the packages at their local Post Office. For customers receiving packages, they can redirect incoming packages to their local Post Office by selecting Hold for Pickup using USPS Package Intercept on USPS.com.
  • Monitor your front door. If you have a home security camera system, ensure it captures activity at your front door and mailbox. If you catch any mail thieves in the act, save the video and alert your local Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455.
  • Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox. You can significantly reduce the chance of being victimized by simply removing your mail from your mailbox every day.
  • Deposit outgoing mail through a number of secure manners including inside your local Post Office or at your place of business or by handing it to a letter carrier.
  • Sign up for Informed Delivery and get daily digest emails that preview your mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon.
  • Become involved and engaged in your neighborhood via neighborhood watches and local social media groups to spread awareness and share information.
  • Keep an eye out for your letter carrier. If you see something that looks suspicious, or you see someone following your carrier, call 911.
  • Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455.

Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

'Wouldn't have ever known': West Omaha mail theft warn community (2024)

FAQs

Is mail theft taken seriously? ›

Mail theft is a serious federal offense. A person found guilty of mail theft can face penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000, officials say.

Why is stealing mail a federal crime? ›

Possibly. Since mail theft often involves the United States Postal Service operated by the government, it could potentially be charged as a federal offense under Title 18, U.S. Code 1708. Therefore, California's mail theft statute refers directly to this federal law for its definition of mail theft.

How to stop mailbox theft? ›

Prevent Thefts from Mailboxes
  1. What are thieves looking for? ...
  2. Go green. ...
  3. Purchase a lockable mailbox. ...
  4. Don't flag your mailbox as a target. ...
  5. Pick up your mail regularly. ...
  6. Stop delivery. ...
  7. Talk to your neighbors. ...
  8. Sign up for Informed Delivery through the postal service.

How do you fight mail theft? ›

Report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 or at www.uspis.gov. Keep Registered Mail separate from other mail. Require employees to sign for Registered Mail™ to establish accountability.

What are people looking for when they steal mail? ›

Mail theft is a crime of opportunity. Thieves are looking for anything of value – such as Economic Impact (stimulus) payments or other checks, EDD/unemployment documents, bank and credit card information. Your personal information is also valuable and can be used to commit identity theft and fraud crimes.

Does the USPS investigate mail theft? ›

We Do!

As a federal law enforcement organization with almost 250 years of experience, our Inspectors investigate every aspect of mail-related crime--including mail theft, mail fraud, and mail containing dangerous items or substances.

What happens if mail is stolen from mailbox? ›

If you think your mail has been stolen, notify the Postal Inspector at 877-876-2455 or at the USPS Office of the Inspector General website at uspsoig.gov/investigations. It's also best to file a claim as quickly as possible. In some cases, the USPS can trace a stolen gift card.

Can you call the police on someone for stealing your mail? ›

Evidence of Mail Theft

Notify your local police. Place your mail on hold if needed, until you repair or replace your box. Contact your Local Post Office if you need further assistance.

Should you lock your mailbox? ›

Putting a high-quality lock on your mailbox is one of the best ways to keep it safe. Look for a sturdy lock that is designed for mailboxes.

Why are people robbing mail carriers? ›

In recent years, letter carriers in D.C., Chicago, Portland, and other places have been robbed at gunpoint. USPS facilities and collection boxes across the country have also been broken into. Why attack USPS? These thieves want your mail—including personal checks which can be altered and cashed or sold online.

How do I make my mailbox theft proof? ›

The best way to keep your mailbox secure is with a mailbox lock, which means you'll need to pick one that is tamper resistant. There are the basic lock and key type options but again think tamper resistant.

What to do if your mail has been opened? ›

While some envelopes may come torn upon delivery, you must reach out to your local postmaster to get the issue squared away. It's normal to receive a torn or opened envelope from time to time, but it shouldn't occur more than a couple of times a month.

What happens when someone steals your mail? ›

Call the police. Mail theft is a felony which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. You should call the police and report it. If you know who is stealing your mail, or if you have a description of the suspect, then share that information with the police as well.

Do mail carriers ever steal mail? ›

The overwhelming majority of USPS employees work conscientiously to deliver the nation's mail. Unfortunately, a small number of employees abuse the public's trust by delaying or stealing the mail. OIG Special Agents work diligently to identify and investigate these crimes.

How often is mail stolen? ›

In an email to CBS MoneyWatch, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said mail theft is increasing as part of a broader national trend of "increased crime patterns." The U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported roughly 300,000 complaints about mail theft in 2021, more than double the prior year's total.

Is destroying mail a federal crime? ›

Yes. It is a federal crime to open or destroy mail that is not intended for you. The law provides that you can not "destroy, hide, open, or embezzle" mail that is not addressed to you. If you intentionally open or destroy someone else's mail, you are committing obstruction of correspondence, which is a felony.

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