What to do if a Package or Mail is Stolen in Outpost Estates

Written By Chris Wintrode

Outpost Neighborhood Association (ONA) aims to keep neighbors informed about safety and how to report crimes that may occur in the neighborhood. If you experience package theft from your front entry or a mailbox break‑in/mail theft, here’s what to do, who to contact, and how to help prevent repeat incidents.

If a crime is in progress:

  • Call 911 immediately. Do not confront suspects.

If you discover a package was stolen:

1. Document everything

  • Note the time you last saw the package and when you discovered it missing.

  • Save any packaging debris or damaged lock/latch. Take clear photos and, if you have cameras, save and back up relevant video clips.

  • Write down details: suspect description, vehicle make/color, license plate (if available), and direction of travel.

2. File a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

  • If no one is in immediate danger, you can file online by clicking here.

  • You can also call the LAPD non‑emergency line: 877‑ASK‑LAPD (877‑275‑5273).

  • Keep your report number. Police reports help LAPD track patterns and allocate resources.

  • Notify the Outpost Estates Senior Lead Officer. Contact Information located here.

3. Report the theft to the retailer and the carrier

  • Retailers: Many will replace or refund stolen packages (Amazon, major retailers). Start with the seller’s “order help” page.

  • Carriers: Report stolen-after-delivery packages to the carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS). Some carriers require the sender to file the claim, so notify the seller promptly.

  • Provide your police report number, photos, tracking numbers, and delivery confirmation.

4. Share information responsibly

  • Let nearby neighbors know the date/time window and any suspect/vehicle description so they can check their cameras for any footage that might help.

  • If you subscribe to a private patrol or alarm provider, notify them. ONA does not endorse any provider; residents choose their own services.

If your mailbox was broken into or mail was stolen:

1. Secure the area and document everything

  • Do not touch damaged locks or pry marks until you’ve photographed them.

  • Save video footage and list any sensitive items that may be missing (checks, credit/debit cards, driver’s license, financial statements, medications, tax documents).

2. File a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service

  • File a police report with LAPD (online by clicking here. or via 877‑ASK‑LAPD (877‑275‑5273)).

  • Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the federal agency that investigates mail crimes:

3. Notify the Post Office about your mailbox

  • Contact your local Post Office to report a vandalized mailbox, request guidance on repairs or lock replacement, and ask about temporarily holding mail until repairs are complete.

  • If you use a private curbside mailbox, you are generally responsible for repair or replacement. Choose a USPS‑approved locking mailbox and install according to USPS guidelines.

4. Protect against identity theft

  • If sensitive information may be exposed, consider:

    • Placing a one‑year fraud alert with any one of the three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) or a credit freeze for stronger protection.

    • Contacting your bank/credit card issuers to monitor accounts or reissue cards and to stop payment on stolen checks.

    • Monitoring for new accounts or suspicious activity. If identity theft occurs, report at IdentityTheft.gov and follow the recovery plan.

Prevention tips for packages and mail

  • Pick-up and delivery options

    • Schedule deliveries for when someone is home, ask for signature confirmation, or route to a staffed location (Amazon Locker, UPS Access Point, FedEx Office).

    • For travel, use USPS Hold Mail or have a trusted neighbor collect packages and mail daily.

    • Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail and track packages.

  • Physical security

    • Use a USPS‑approved locking mailbox and collect mail daily.

    • Install motion‑activated lighting and ensure cameras cover your mailbox, front walk, and delivery drop zone with clear daytime and nighttime views.

    • Clearly number your address so first responders and carriers can find you quickly.

  • Digital and procedural habits

    • Turn on delivery notifications and adjust delivery instructions to a less visible spot.

    • Avoid leaving outgoing mail in an unsecured box; drop it at a Post Office or blue USPS collection box before the last pickup.

    • Limit sensitive items sent by mail when possible.

Key contacts and links

Chris Wintrode
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