if someone is taking my mail, what is the penalty for this crime. i have evidence and proof of the suspect as?

Question

if someone is taking my mail, what is this crime called, and what is the penalty for this crime and how do i report it? i have evidence and solid proof of who the culprit is.

i wanted to say thanks for the informed responses and add this detail:

the culprit is my neighbor, who has been continually harassing everyone in my house, and doing many other things, and now this is the latest game! now, with this one, i do have strong and convincing evidence showing the theft!

i just didn't know what to do now, but have options now and will contact both the police and post master with my proof, which is 100% convincing to say the least!!

Answer 1

IF SOMEONE IS TAKING MY MAIL, WHAT IS THIS CRIME CALLED?
The crime is called mail theft or mail tampering

WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR THIS CRIME?
The USPS guidelines are 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

HOW DO I REPORT IT?
To report mail theft, vandalism, or mail tampering go to https://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/mailthft/default.htm and click on the link at the bottom that says 'Mail Theft, Vandalism or Mail Tampering'. You will be taken to an online form that you can fill out with all of the information that you have about this. If you'd rather not send the form over the internet go to https://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/mailthft/2016.pdf and print a copy to send through the mail. It's probably faster and safer to send it online though.

To find the nearest Postal Inspector to you go to http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-is.html and type in your city or zip code. It will then give you the address and phone number to contact them at for more information.

Here's some more information:
http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/safemail.htm
http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/tipthief.htm
http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/tipvandl.htm

I hope this helps and I hope you get the issue resolved as soon as possible. Good luck!!

Answer 2

The BEST proof is to have photos of the individual taking your mail out of your mailbox.

The Post Office (Postmaster) is the one to talk to -- call, make an appointment, and leave plenty of time to fill out the paperwork.

BRING with you any articles of proof that you have the individual is taking your mail.

Also -- the Local Police can be contacted, but the most they will be able to do is maybe file trespassing charges against the individual taking your mail -- just take the affidavit, fill it out, and turn it back in.

Answer 3

Taking someones mail is actually a felony and can lead to jail time. Go to the police dept. and file a report. Thats the fastest and more affective because it all ends up there. And it is considered theft and invasion of privacy.

Answer 4

Here's the trick.

It is the police because it is theft from the outside mail box.

the Postal Inspectors would only get involved if it involved a) Internal theft of the mail or b) using the mails to defraud (as they have taken your identity)

Answer 5

Definitely report it to the PostMaster. It is a federal crime & there have been warnings about not leaving your outgoing mail in the box at your home. Catch these people! Good luck!

Answer 6

This happened to me too!! I had to fill out a bunch of forms on the missing mail and there was still nothing they could do becasue I had no proof. but at least it was filled with the Post Office.

Answer 7

If i'm not correct i believe it's $10,000 or up to 10 years in prison, at least that's what it said on one of those mail cubby thingies the post office has that they throw all the mail into . . .

Answer 8

Call or go to the Post Office and ask to talk to someone from the Postal Inspector's Office.

Answer 9

Deborah DeFabees

Answer 10

Mail tampering/theft is a federal offence punishable by prison time.