Temecula Police Seek Suspects in Latest Mail Theft

Temecula police released images from a surveillance camera showing the suspect and suspect vehicle in a recent mail theft.

Another incident of mail theft in Southwest Riverside County has Sheriff's deputies searching for the suspects and issuing suggestions to residents about ways to help protect their mail from thieves.

The latest incident took place June 23 at about 5:20 p.m., according to a Sheriff's Department news release. A Hispanic female was captured on a home security camera system stealing a package from the front porch of a home in the 41900 block of Camino Casana in Temecula. According to police, the suspect was the passenger in a white Dodge Ram full-size crew cab truck with two stickers on the rear window. The suspects fled the area before police arrived and are still at large.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Temecula Police Department's detective bureau at 951-696-3000. Several incidents of mail theft have also been reported in Menifee in the last few months. Anyone with information on mail theft in the area should call the Menifee Police Department at 951-210-1000.

Tips for residents on how to help protect their mail:

-- Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your mailbox for pick-up. Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.

-- Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don't leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.

-- If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

-- If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

-- Don't send cash in the mail.

-- Tell your post office when you'll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.

-- Report all suspected mail theft to a postal inspector.

-- Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other's mailboxes (as well as homes).

-- Consult with your local postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.