Local News

Mail theft is on the rise this holiday season in Jackson County along with the rest of Southern Oregon and across the country.

Nationwide from 2018-2023, United States Postal Inspectors have arrested almost 9,000 suspects for the theft of mail and packages.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports the biggest risk in our area is unlocked mailboxes along rural roadways, but thieves steal mail in cities as well.

There are some steps you can take to protect your mail. Use a locking mailbox, get informed delivery to know what mail is arriving and when, promptly pick up your mail and try not to leave letters or packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time.

Inquire about overdue mail. If you do not receive a check, credit card other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and ask about it. Don't risk sending cash and be careful about what you send.

Arrange for prompt pickup. If you cannot be home to receive a package, make another arrangement or use USPS Hold Mail Service. When shipping packages, use the Hold for Pickup option and the recipients can collect the package at their local Post Office. When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation for the intended recipient.

For more information on preventing mail and package theft, go to the US Postal Inspection Service website at "uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft."