What to do if you suspect someone stealing your mail?

Question

I've been living in my current apartment building for 2 years. All the mailboxes are open without locks, and there's no room for more boxes. The first year I was here I never had this this issue, and we don't have any new neighbors, but we have a new landlord. Since he's come in, along with all his workers that are remodeling the place I've lost countless magazines, a T-shirt that took months to get re-imbursed, a month long metrocard that comes in a little envelope, and who knows what else? What can I do if I feel someone is stealing my mail? I mean there's no way to put a camera or anything. I want to know who is doing this, but I can't exactly accuse anyone either...

Answer 1

Immediately contact the nearest F.B.I. office.  It is a big time federal offense to mess with anyone's mail.

When I was in college someone tossed a cherry bomb in a on-campus mailbox and within three hours the place was swarming with agents.  The nearest FBI office was 75 miles away  over two lane roads.

Caught the dude, too.

Charge is usually punishable with 5-10 in a federal pen.

Answer 2

you call the Postal inspectors office or submit a report online.

You explain that you haven't received mail you expected and packages you expected they will do the investigating.

If they catch someone they will prosecute them for a federal crime and if they are convicted they will be sentenced to federal prison

Answer 3

     I would suggest renting a box at the local post office.  Probably the cheapest fix for the problem.

Answer 4

I'm not totally sure, but I would imagine that the landlord should be required to put locks on the mailbox.  Tampering with/stealing/opening other people's mail is a federal offense, so maybe you could try calling the police or asking the worker at your local post office what to do.

Answer 5

notify post office

Answer 6

Talk to the police about your options and rights. Then tak action if necessary. The police may need you to be a witness and provide evidence that the person has done something wrong. You'll have to make a statement. Apart from that redirect your mail to a person you trust and then collect the mail from them.

Answer 7

Go to the Post Office and tell them you want to file a complaint about mail being stolen at your apt bldg.  They will tell you what forms to fill out, and who to see if they want to talk to you.  List things you know are missing (t-shirt you ordered, etc), dates, etc.  The more info you can give them, the better.  The Postal Inspector will investigate.  Federal laws regarding tampering with the mail, mail theft, mail fraud, etc. have very sharp teeth, and the inspection division is thorough (albeit often overloaded, like so many federal bureaucracies).  If your neighbors are missing stuff, have them do the same.

Be sure to mention that the boxes at the apartment complex are unlocked, that you have complained to management, and they have failed to remedy the situation.  Also mention your suspicions about who is stealing the mail.  Since the mailboxes must be locked, the PO will be sure to give them H--- for that.  But don't expect them to jump on the lock thing instantly -- they may want to keep them unlocked and under surveillance until they catch the perpetrator(s).

Answer 8

Notify the post office they will investigate. Tampering with the mail is a federal crime.