Be aware of ‘mailbox pirates’- keep mail safe during holidays

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-You might have heard the term ‘porch pirate’…but be careful of potential thieves targeting your mailbox too. 

“We’ve had a few reports that there’s been some items stolen,” said Bowling Green Police Department PIO Ronnie Ward. 

Around the holidays, more people are sending valuable items by mail. 

“Christmas time people start mailing out Christmas cards that contain money, and they also contain gift cards,” said Glasgow Police Department Major Terry Flatt. 

And, typically, you aren’t notified when your mail arrives as you would a regular package. 

“It may sit there for the entire day, or even over the night if you haven’t checked your mail. That makes it a little difficult to figure out when it was delivered or when it was taken if it is stolen,” said Ward. 

It’s also getting darker earlier in the evening…

“This time of year, when it does get dark around 4:30 or 5 p.m., a lot of the UPS and Fedex guys, even on the weekend, are making some late night deliveries,” said Flatt. 

This is coupled with mail routes taking longer due to a higher volume during the holidays. 

“It does make it easier for people that are targeting mailboxes. Because they can get items out of mailboxes and not be noticed or seen by strangers.”

Local law enforcement recommends checking your mail daily to avoid this. if you’re out of town, have a loved one or neighbor collect your mail for you.