In the town of Davie, Florida, a group of business owners were facing a common problem – their mail was constantly being stolen. To catch the culprit, they installed a surveillance camera that quickly provided answers. The video footage showed a bold criminal behind a mailbox at the Town Commerce Center off State Road 441, going through each cubby and hiding their face with an envelope. One victim, Adrian Talpos from Absolute Roofing, shared how a thief at the center stole a check from the mailbox, forged it with a fake name, and cashed it, resulting in a significant financial loss.
The surveillance footage revealed that the thief had a key, likely a U.S. Postal Service master key. The Postal Service investigators were brought in to look into the case. The issue highlighted the concern of fraudsters obtaining access to these master keys. The victims at Town Commerce Center believed that the thefts could have been prevented if the locks had been changed when the key went missing.
In response to these incidents, the U.S. Postal Service recommends that residents and business owners retrieve their mail promptly after delivery to minimize the risk of theft. It’s essential to inquire about any missing or overdue mail, particularly if it involves important items like credit cards or checks. The USPS provides services like Hold Mail and Hold for Pickup, which can keep mail secure at a Post Office facility for up to 30 days. Additionally, the request signature confirmation service ensures that mail is delivered by hand.
If you experience mail theft, it’s crucial to report it to the Postal Inspection Service by calling 1-877-876-2455. Staying informed and taking proactive measures can help protect against mail theft and safeguard important documents and packages.
In conclusion, businesses in Davie should take steps to prevent mail theft by retrieving their mail promptly after delivery and changing locks when necessary
