Neighbors,
Mailbox vandalism continues to be a very serious problem in our community. In the past few months alone, more than 10 instances have occurred of the mailbox and parcel boxes being forcibly opened. The most recent occurrence was on January 5th at the pool mailboxes.
A significant percentage of our neighbors rarely retrieve mail from their mail or parcel boxes. This is a great disservice to your neighbors. If there is no mail to steal, there is no incentive to keep coming back to break into more boxes. Please retrieve your mail regularly and often.
The board has considered running electrical power to each mailbox location and commercial solar powered lighting as solutions to prevent/deter break-ins. However, these are cost prohibitive. The board is currently soliciting low cost ideas for how to keep the mailbox areas well lit and camera security options. Please email your idea to board@scofieldfarms.org. And as always, if you see suspicious activity report to the police immediately.
The following is from our Postal Inspector:
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement branch of the U.S. Postal Service, was recently notified of mail theft activity in the Scofield Farms area. Mail Theft is a federal crime under 18 USC, Section 1708, Theft or Possession of Stolen Mail. If you have been a victim of mail theft or have any information concerning this crime, please contact me at (512) 342-1563. We also offer the following suggestions to protect your mail.
*Deposit outgoing mail in a blue collection box, at a Post Office, or by handing it directly to your letter carrier.
*Never leave mail in your mailbox overnight-that’s when thieves usually attack.
*If you see suspicious activity around your mailbox, call local police and Postal Inspectors.
If you have a check that was stolen and subsequently forged and cashed, please notify our office as quickly as possible at 512-342-1563.
