LAKE SAN MARCOS, Calif. (KGTV) - Retirees in Lake San Marcos are looking for a woman caught on camera peering into mailboxes.
Saturday at 1:56 a.m., a woman was recorded peering through Jan Greenberg's mailbox, while holding mail in her other hand.
"Because of the timing, she was probably looking for social security checks, the first week of the month," Greenberg said.
Greenberg lives in a retirement community where many seniors rely on such checks. Watching the video, Greenberg said, "it's a little creepy," knowing her neighborhood is patrolled by armed guards who came through just minutes after the woman leaves.
"You know it's just a hit and miss, so the good news is I don't think they have any idea when the patrol people are coming," she said. Greenberg's mailbox was empty this time, but her fears are growing. As she's been asking around, she learned there was a rash of thefts two years ago.
"I'm concerned about everything basically, I mean there's bills that come in there with account numbers, there's you know bank information, and insurance cards and all kinds of things," she said.
The US Post Office sent these tips to 10News:
- Collect your mail from your mailbox every day as soon as possible after it is delivered. Do not allow mail to accumulate, even in a locked mailbox.
- Deposit outgoing mail into blue collection boxes before the final pick up of the same day of deposit. Check pick up schedule posted on the box to ensure your mail will not sit in the box overnight or over the weekend.
- When expecting packages to be delivered, monitor tracking at www.usps.com so you know when to expect your shipment. A new U.S. Postal Service feature provides email and text alerts to notify customers of package status and delivery —sign up at www.myusps.com.
- Be alert and immediately report any suspicious or criminal activity to local police.
Report Theft, Fraud and Vandalism
- To report mail theft, vandalism, identity theft or fraud involving the U.S. Mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at1-877-876-2455.
- To report mail theft or other crimes involving the U.S. Mail online, visit the U.S Postal Inspection Service website at: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov(Select “contact us” and then “file a complaint.” Under “Inquiry Type,”select“Problem.”Under “Customer Service,”select “Support,”and then “Vandalism/Theft Problem.”Select “continue” and provide requested information.)
- To reach the U.S. Postal Service Customer Care Center, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Greenberg is doing her part, putting a sign that reads, "You are on camera and we are patrolled!" on the inside of her mailbox. She hopes to get more neighbors putting these signs in their mailboxes. She also spoke with her Home Owners Association about getting a sign put up mirroring the sign in her mailbox, and asked about getting a more secure box for her and her neighbors.
"It's kind of sad, because this is such a special little place, so it is kind of sad but we'll figure it out, we'll get her," she said.
