Ashe County Mailbox Theft on the Rise

Mailbox Theft on the Rise in Our Community

Ashe County, N.C. — Sheriff B. Phil Howell would like to inform Ashe County residents of a recent increase in mailbox thefts throughout our community. We want to raise awareness and share important tips to help you protect your mail and prevent this from happening to you.

Sheriff Howell warns, “As the holiday season approaches, mail theft is on the rise. Over the past month, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of mailbox thefts as well as incidents involving porch pirates, individuals stealing delivered packages from porches and doorsteps. We want to give the community a few ways to protect their mail and packages”.

If possible, install a security camera or a video doorbell camera. Home cameras can deter thieves by 83%. Even if a porch pirate disregards the cameras, you will have footage of the subject, which can be used to file a police report and help officers identify them. You will also have proof if your package was delivered, misplaced, or stolen. Using a doorbell camera will provide a live video stream and two-way talk functionality.

If you worry about someone stealing your packages, consider having them delivered to a secure location other than your home address. Most workplaces allow employees to receive packages at the office. Check with your employer first. You may also inquire at your local post office about renting a P.O. BOX. If your purchase allows, you can select the “request for a signature upon delivery” option. This will require the delivery person to obtain a signature before leaving the package. Anyone can become a target of mail theft. Here are a few tips to help prevent becoming a victim.

Prevention Tips
• Collect your mail daily from your home mail box.
• Don’t send money in the mail. If you have a check, it’s better to drop it off at the local post office.
• Don’t leave outgoing mail in your mailbox overnight.
• Request a hold for pickup at your local post office.
• If you are out of town for more than a couple of days, request that the local post office hold your mail until
you return.
• Most importantly, Be Observant.
If you fall victim to mail theft, follow these steps.
1. Notify the seller/company that your package has been stolen. Many companies will refund money if you
have insurance on the package.
2. Notify your local post office or the delivery service that delivered your mail/package. They can even send
you photos and information on where the mail was left when delivered.
3. File a report with the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office or the municipal town Police. When filing the report,
please include all relevant information, such as camera footage and tracking details.
If you have any questions or concerns about stolen mail or packages, please call the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office at
336-846-5600