The City of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station are providing some security tips in response to concerns from community members about recent mailbox break-ins in West Hollywood residential areas. The current thefts have made headlines in local media.
Fox 11 reports that neighbors in the West Hollywood area say their multi-unit mailboxes have been gutted by a thief or thieves. The community is raising the red flag as more and more victims report cases of mail theft on apps like Next Door. According to reports at Next Door, neighbors believe that a master key may have somehow fallen into the wrong hands.
The Sheriff’s Station is currently reviewing reports of complaints of stolen mail in multiunit dwellings in West Hollywood. Reports filed with the Sheriff’s Station point to apartment complexes and condominiums being the most common targets for thefts—however, businesses like My 12 Step Store and its neighbors on the 8730 shopping strip have had their mailboxes broken into numerous times this year alone.
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, call the City of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Department at (323) 848-6414.
