Is The Mailbox In Your Yard Being Tampered With? Here's What You Can Do

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The last thing anyone wants is to come home and find their mailbox open or damaged. Sure, mother nature can sometimes cause this — but if you don't recall a wild storm occurring since you left the house, it's pretty fishy. A mailbox is a piece of personal property that's illegal for strangers to mess with. It could give someone a peek into your finances and personal affairs, so thankfully, only USPS employees are allowed to touch them. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some nefarious people out there. If you do believe the mailbox in your yard has been messed with, it's important to notify the authorities and the post office, and also take precautions to keep it from happening again.

Installing a home security camera is a brilliant way to keep your residence safe. They even make small mailbox cameras, although, there are rules to follow to stay within legal lines. Whichever way you discover your mailbox was tampered with — whether you witness it, the box is damaged, or it's clear mail was stolen, start by calling the local police. It's a federal crime to open a homeowner's mail, and can lead to a hefty fine and prison sentence for the perpetrators. Take photos of any vandalism, and record dates, times, and other relevant information.

After you inform the police of the incident, the next step depends on whether you believe the mailbox was just vandalized, or the mail inside was actually stolen. If the box itself was damaged, but no theft took place, you might need time to get it fixed. Put a hold on your mail until you're able to do so, which is easy to do through the USPS website. Contact them if you need additional help. If you discover mail was stolen, be sure to file a report with USPS as well. Pay close attention to your bank account to ensure your banking information hasn't been stolen.

You can also take action so the tampering doesn't happen again. Upgrading your home security is a good idea if you've experienced issues with your mailbox. In addition to using cameras, consider replacing your mailbox with one that has a lock. There are certain types, like the Mail Boss Security Mailbox, that are constructed of steel to help prevent damage. Plus, its lockable design helps protect the mail inside.

Bring in your mail on a daily basis to lower the chances of it being stolen. Also, talk with neighbors and watch out for suspicious behavior around your homes, including near the mailboxes. When you go out of town, put a hold on your mail instead of letting it pile up. It's important to be proactive to help steer clear of any issues with your mail or mailbox — but if you do run into them, you now have a good idea of what to do.