What to do if a Package or Mail is Stolen in 爆走黑料
爆走黑料 (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鈥慽n/mail theft, here鈥檚 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 .
You can also call the LAPD non鈥慹mergency line: 877鈥慉SK鈥慙APD (877鈥275鈥5273).
Keep your report number. Police reports help LAPD track patterns and allocate resources.
Notify the 爆走黑料 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鈥檚 鈥渙rder help鈥 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鈥檝e photographed them.
Save video footage and list any sensitive items that may be missing (checks, credit/debit cards, driver鈥檚 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 . or via 877鈥慉SK鈥慙APD (877鈥275鈥5273)).
Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the federal agency that investigates mail crimes:
Online:
Phone: 877鈥876鈥2455 (say 鈥淩eport鈥)
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鈥慳pproved locking mailbox and install according to USPS guidelines.
4. Protect against identity theft
If sensitive information may be exposed, consider:
Placing a one鈥憏ear 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 or have a trusted neighbor collect packages and mail daily.
Sign up for to preview incoming mail and track packages.
Physical security
Use a USPS鈥慳pproved locking mailbox and collect mail daily.
Install motion鈥慳ctivated 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
Emergencies: 911
LAPD non鈥慹mergency: 877鈥慉SK鈥慙APD (877鈥275鈥5273)
LAPD online reporting:
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (mail theft): or 877鈥876鈥2455
USPS services: (Informed Delivery, Hold Mail, change of address, mailbox guidance)