The Twin Lakes Post Office in Federal Way was the apparent victim of mail theft, after police discovered that unknown suspects tampered with an exterior mail drop-off box sometime between Saturday, Dec. 14 and Monday, Dec. 16.

A wheeled mail cart was also tampered with, leaving mail strewn throughout the parking lot, according to the police report filed with the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD). The case has been forwarded to the United States Postal Inspector Service (USPIS), according to FWPD.

FWPD spokesperson Cathy Schrock noted that the department does typically see an uptick in mail theft during the holiday season. The USPIS offers these tips for keeping mail secure during the holiday season:

• Never send cash or coins in the mail. Use checks or money orders.

• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won’t be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.

• Have your local post office hold your mail while you’re on vacation, or absent from your home for a long period of time.

• If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

• If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

• Always deposit your mail in a mail slot at your local post office, or hand it to your letter carrier.

• Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes). If you observe a mail thief at work, call the local police immediately, and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.

To learn more about what to do in the event of mail theft, visit https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov.