When it comes to mailing letters, many people do it by dropping their envelopes in the United States Postal Service’s outside big blue collection bins placed in neighborhoods across America. However, the USPS is now warning would-be mailers that those big blue boxes are not always the safest option.

In a recent press release, the Postal Service recently explained that unfortunately, the outside collection bins have become very attractive to thieves looking to steal identities or checks, especially at specific times and on specific days. The agency stated, “The biggest variable enticing these criminals to steal are customers who deposit mail into blue collection boxes after the posted last collection of the day or during Sundays and federal holidays.”

We have experienced many thefts of mail from the USPS collection boxes here in Westtown and East Goshen, including outside our own local post offices in the West Chester area.  To protect residents wanting to use their services, the USPS has some advice, stating, “If customers simply used retail service or inside wall drop slots to send their U.S. Mail, instead of depositing it to sit outside overnight or through the weekend, blue collection bins would not be as enticing after business hours to mail thieves for identity theft and check-washing schemes.”

In a list of tips, they also suggest, “The most secure way to send mail is through the local Post Office retail counter. If that is not feasible, the next safest way is to use the inside collection slots that deposit mail directly into the Post Office. If using the Postal Service’s outside blue collection bins, never deposit mail after the last dispatch time. Each box has pick up times printed on a label, and it will point you to the location for the latest pickup time in your area. Avoid depositing mail during the night, Sundays, long weekends, and federal holidays.” And NEVER put mail in a collection box that is visibly overfilled.

In the off chance you happen to pass by one of the blue mailboxes and spot someone who doesn’t look like a postal employee rummaging through it, especially during non-postal work hours, the USPS and WEGOPD ask that you report it by immediately calling 911. Call when you see this occurring, not the next day. To incentivize people to call in suspicious activity and help curb mail theft, the USPS is offering rewards of up to $10,000 to anyone whose tip helps catch the thieves. Take the extra few seconds to park and walk your mail inside the post office for a safer delivery.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://chester.crimewatchpa.com/wegopd/53548/post/mail-thefts-rise

Governor Wolf recently signed legislation enhancing and rebranding the state’s Steer Clear Law to the Move Over Law.  The law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop, or properly marked disabled vehicle.  If the driver cannot move over safely, they must reduce their speed to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Currently, the law requires drivers in non-adjacent lanes to reduce their speed to a careful and prudent reasonable speed. The legislation also doubles the existing fines and adds a point system to violations.  While the new law won’t take effect until April 2021, we encourage everyone to be safe and abide by the new guidelines.

Members of the Westtown-East Goshen (WEGO) Regional Police Department will be enforcing the Pennsylvania Move Over Law.

For more information, visit the WEGO website:  https://chester.crimewatchpa.com/wegopd

The Westtown East Goshen Regional Police Department encourages residents to use a free online system that will help keep track of valuable – and invaluable – personal property.  ReportIt is a free, secure online service allowing citizens to record serial numbers, item descriptions, and upload images so items may be more easily identified in the event of loss or theft.  This record may also come in handy when filing claims with insurance providers in the event of loss. WEGO says having the information will go a long way in accurately and quickly identifying your property. Citizens can access the site at reportit.leadsonline.com.

The ReportIt service is a part of LeadsOnline, an online system that works with police across the country to track and recover stolen property. WEGO uses LeadsOnline to help track and recover stolen property, including everything from jewelry to sporting equipment to electronics, computers, cameras, and other items such as designer clothing, collectibles, and more. The system allows detectives to search for the items using a variety of parameters, including item descriptions and serial numbers.

Credit card skimmers on gas pumps are a problem throughout the country.  For tips on how to detect skimmers and prevent credit card theft read this: Credit Card Skimmers

Please read the Community Awareness Bulletin below regarding burglaries perpetrated by criminals who divert homeowners while an accomplice enters the home.

CAB Diversion – Imposter Burglaries

Smart 911 is a free service available to keep you and your family safer.  Provided by Chester County Department of Emergency Services, Smart 911, lets you create a private and secure safety profile for your family, including any information you want 9-1-1 dispatchers to have during an emergency.  You can include details such as a list of family members, pets, photos, medical notes, and emergency contacts.  In an emergency, seconds can save lives. Take a few moments now to plan ahead at www.smart911.com.

There is a Medication Return Collection Box in the lobby of the Westtown East Goshen (WEGO) Police Station, 1041 Wilmington Pike.  Residents can safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medication M-F from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

2024 Police Commission meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, at 4:00 PM, in the Police Administration Building located at 1041 Wilmington Pike, (behind the Township Building.)