Theft: USPS Replacing Mailbox Locks (date tbd)

Hey, Sudden Valley neighbors! Got mail? Well, let’s make sure it stays yours!

Lately, there’s been a bit of a crime spree targeting our beloved mailboxes. Yep, those sneaky mail thieves have been busy, and now they’ve found their way to Sudden Valley. But don’t worry—the USPS has a plan!

What’s Happening? Mail theft is up across Bellingham, and our community has recently joined the hit list. The good news? The USPS is stepping in with shiny new, super-secure locks for all our community mailboxes (CBUs for those in the know). Sudden Valley is first in line for the upgrade—woohoo! 🥳

The not-so-good news? The locks are on order, and there’s no delivery date just yet. (Irony, right? Waiting for mail about mail security?) In the meantime, here’s how you can keep your letters safe from prying hands:

• Pro Tips to Outsmart the Mail Thieves Pick up your mail daily. Don’t let it hang out overnight. A mailbox stuffed with holiday catalogs is a thief’s dream come true!

• Outgoing mail? Drop it in a blue USPS collection box instead. The closest ones are:

  • 1941 Lake Whatcom Blvd

    • 2410 Alabama St

• Early bird special. If you’re using the outgoing slot in your CBU, do it in the morning before your mail carrier swings by.

• Get techy with it. Sign up for Informed Delivery at USPS.com and get a sneak peek at what’s heading your way.

• Stay sharp. If you see someone lurking around mailboxes who clearly isn’t your friendly neighborhood mail carrier, give the police a ring.

• Go old-school secure. Place your mail on hold at the USPS office at 3150 Orleans St. Pick it up there whenever it’s convenient (and bring ID).

A Word from the USPS Zoe Russom, our local USPS hero, assures us the new locks will be worth the wait. In the meantime, let’s all keep an eye out for our neighbors (and maybe that person still waiting for their new Ikea catalog).

The full letter below: