Ways To Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your Mail

ENCINO (CBSLA.com) — After our report last week on the widespread mail thefts in Southern California neighborhoods including Westchester, Riverside and West Hollywood, viewers have flooded CBSLA.com with emails about the growing problem.

Now, we have some tips on what you can do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

Rigo Reyes is the chief investigator with the Los Angeles County Department of Business and Consumer Affairs, which helps victims of identify theft.

"We can work with the creditors to make sure that the consumer is not asked to pay for charges they didn't authorize," Reyes said.

As for those credit card offers in the mail, Reyes said you can put a stop to them by calling (888) 567-8688 or go to Optoutpresceen.com to sign up to opt out.

According to Optout.com, more than 11 million adults are victimized every year.

Another way to prevent mail thefts is to rent a post office box. Valley Mail in Studio City offers mail boxes for rent at $200 a year. They take in your packages as well.

Mogan Stratton installed a locked mailbox outside his Encino home as a way to keep thieves from getting their hands on his mail. "This just makes me feel better if you get checks in the mail or anything like that," he said.