How to Keep Mail Safe From Theft: Complete Protection Guide (2025)
Quick Prevention Tips
- ✅ Collect mail daily — Don't leave mail sitting overnight
- ✅ Use USPS Informed Delivery — Know what's coming
- ✅ Install a locking mailbox — Best physical protection
- ✅ Request signature confirmation — For valuable items
- ✅ Use package lockers — Amazon Locker, USPS Hold for Pickup
Mail Theft Is a Federal Crime
Stealing mail carries penalties of up to 5 years in federal prison. If your mail is stolen, report it to the USPS Postal Inspectors.
Mail theft and package theft (often called "porch piracy") are a growing problem. Surveys suggest roughly one in four Americans has experienced package theft at some point. This guide covers proven strategies to prevent mail theft and keep your mail safe from theft, protecting your packages and sensitive documents from porch pirates.
Table of Contents
How to Prevent Mail Theft
Most mail theft is opportunistic—thieves target easy marks. These strategies make your mail a harder target:
1. Collect Mail Daily
Don't let mail accumulate. Overflowing mailboxes signal to thieves that you're away or not paying attention. Pick up mail as soon as possible after delivery.
2. Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery
This free service sends you a daily email with images of incoming mail pieces. You'll know exactly what should be in your mailbox—if something's missing, you know immediately.
3. Go Paperless for Sensitive Documents
Switch to electronic statements for bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial documents. Fewer sensitive items in your mailbox means less to steal.
4. Hold Mail When Traveling
Use USPS Hold Mail to stop delivery for up to 30 days when you're away. Accumulated mail is a clear sign you're not home.
5. Install Security Cameras
Video doorbells and security cameras deter theft and provide evidence if theft occurs. Position cameras to capture your mailbox and package delivery areas.
6. Know Your Delivery Times
Learn when your mail typically arrives and try to collect it soon after. The less time mail sits unattended, the lower the theft risk.
Locking Mailbox Options
A locking mailbox is one of the most effective ways to prevent mail theft. These mailboxes have a slot for the carrier to deposit mail, but require a key to retrieve it.
| Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Column locking mailbox | $100-$300 | Curbside residential |
| Wall-mount locking box | $50-$150 | Houses with wall-mount location |
| Locking insert for existing box | $30-$70 | Upgrading current mailbox |
| Package drop box | $150-$400 | Frequent online shoppers |
USPS Mailbox Requirements
Any locking mailbox must meet USPS specifications:
- • Mail slot must be large enough for standard mail
- • Carrier must be able to deposit mail without a key
- • For curbside: 41-45 inches from road surface to bottom of box
USPS Security Services
USPS offers several services to add security to your mail:
Signature Confirmation
Requires a signature at delivery, proving the item was received by a person rather than left unattended.
- • Signature Confirmation: Small extra fee (check USPS.com for current rates)
- • Adult Signature Required: Higher fee; recipient must be 21+
Certified Mail
Provides tracking and proof of mailing. Add Return Receipt for proof of delivery. Ideal for important documents you need to verify were received.
Learn about certified mail →Registered Mail
The most secure USPS service. Mail is tracked with signatures at every step, kept under lock and key, with insurance up to $50,000. Best for irreplaceable or high-value items.
Learn about registered mail →PO Box
A secure mailbox at the post office. Only you have the key. No porch pirates, no mailbox fishing. Prices vary widely by location and box size—from around a few dozen dollars to several hundred dollars per 6-month period.
See PO Box costs →Hold for Pickup / General Delivery
Have packages held at the post office for you to pick up instead of being delivered to your address. Eliminates porch theft risk entirely.
Learn about General Delivery →Package Theft Prevention
"Porch piracy" specifically targets packages left at doorsteps. Here's how to protect your deliveries:
Delivery Alternatives
- • Amazon Locker: Free pickup at secure locations
- • USPS Hold for Pickup: Collect at post office
- • Deliver to workplace: If allowed
- • Trusted neighbor: Have packages left there
- • Package receiving service: UPS Store, etc.
Home Security Measures
- • Video doorbell: Ring, Nest, etc.
- • Package drop box: Locking delivery container
- • Delivery instructions: Leave in hidden spot
- • Smart locks: Let drivers put packages inside
Track Your Packages
Enable delivery notifications so you know exactly when packages arrive. The faster you retrieve them, the less opportunity for theft.
What to Do If Mail Is Stolen
Immediate Steps
- 1. Report to USPS Postal Inspectors: uspis.gov/report or call 1-877-876-2455
- 2. File a police report: Contact your local police department
- 3. Contact senders: Notify anyone who sent important mail
- 4. Monitor accounts: Watch for unauthorized activity if financial documents were stolen
- 5. Consider credit freeze: If sensitive personal info was taken
If Packages Were Stolen
- • Contact the retailer: Most will reship or refund stolen packages
- • File with carrier: USPS, UPS, FedEx have theft reporting processes
- • Check homeowner's/renter's insurance: May cover package theft
- • Review security camera footage: Provide to police if available
Identity Theft Concerns
If stolen mail contained personal information (SSN, bank statements, pre-approved credit offers), take these steps:
- • Place fraud alerts on credit reports (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- • Consider a credit freeze
- • Report to FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
- • Monitor credit reports for unauthorized accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent mail theft?
Key prevention strategies include: using a locking mailbox, signing up for USPS Informed Delivery, collecting mail daily, using package lockers, requesting signature confirmation, holding mail when traveling, and installing security cameras.
Is mail theft a federal crime?
Yes, mail theft is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 1708. Stealing mail can result in up to 5 years in federal prison. Report mail theft to USPS Postal Inspectors at uspis.gov or call 1-877-876-2455.
What should I do if my mail is stolen?
If mail is stolen: 1) Report to USPS Postal Inspectors online or by phone, 2) File a police report, 3) Contact senders of important mail, 4) Consider a credit freeze if financial documents were stolen, 5) Monitor accounts for fraud.
Does USPS offer locking mailboxes?
USPS doesn't provide locking mailboxes, but you can install an approved locking mailbox yourself. Look for USPS-approved designs with mail slots that allow carriers to deposit mail while preventing removal without a key.
How does Informed Delivery help prevent theft?
Informed Delivery emails you images of incoming mail each morning. You'll know exactly what should be in your mailbox—if something's missing, you'll know immediately that it was stolen.
Send Secure Certified Mail
Certified mail provides tracking and proof of delivery—so you always know when important mail arrives.
Send Certified Mail OnlineRelated Security Guides
Last updated:
Tags: mail theft prevention, package theft, mailbox security, porch piracy, mail protection