Mail and Package Theft

Mail and package theft is on the rise. Annually, especially during the holiday and tax seasons, we see an increase in reports of mail and package theft. Mailboxes are an easy target for criminals who have easy access to your personal information through banking statements, credit cards and more. They can even make off with valuable items through package theft. 
Here's a few tips to keep your mail and packages safe:
  • Check and empty your mailbox everyday!
  • If you’re going on vacation or out of town request a vacation hold from the Post Office.
  • Take outgoing mail directly to the post office, especially if you're sending out checks, payments or other items of value.
  • Sign up for “Informed Delivery” by USPS, it’s free and allows you to preview incoming mail, track packages, setup delivery instructions, reschedule deliveries, etc.
  • If you aren’t home to receive packages have your packages delivered to PO Boxes, a trusted neighbor or your place of business so the packages can be received in person and not sit on a porch.
  • Report suspicious vehicles and subjects to our non-emergency line at 951-769-8500.
These simple tips can help keep your mail, personal information and other items safe from theft.


Mailbox Responsibility 

Many residents ask about mailbox responsibility and who owns, replaces and/or maintains mailboxes, especially if they have been broken into or vandalized. Below is some helpful information regarding mailboxes from the USPS:

Every community has mailboxes. The City of Beaumont does not have legal jurisdiction over mailboxes in our City, including but not limited to, type, location, purchase, installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of mailbox equipment.

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postal Operations Manual (POM), the document establishes USPS protocols for “Modes of Delivery, Mail Receptacles, and Keys” (section 631.1). According to the POM, centralized delivery (cluster box units (CBUs)) is the preferred mode of delivery for new residential and commercial developments. 

According to section 632.1.1 of the POM, “Mail Receptacles,” it states, “Purchase, installation, and maintenance of mail receptacles are the responsibility of the customer.” 

According to the USPS, “A Guide for Builders and Developers,” document, “Builders and developers or property owners are responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of mailbox equipment.” 

For developments that have a Home Owners Association (HOA) that includes coverage of the cluster mailboxes, the HOA will be the responsible party. For those that do not have a HOA that is responsible for the cluster mailboxes, the maintenance and repairs fall on the property owner whose mailbox is located on the respective cluster. The repairs must be coordinated and paid for by the responsible HOA or in collaboration with all the homeowners whose mailbox is located on the respective cluster. 

For more information about the USPS's policies on residential delivery, visit their website here.