USPS says it's expanding its Project Safe Delivery crime prevention initiative.

The Postal Service plans to install 12,000 high security blue collection boxes nationwide to make access to mail more difficult for criminals. The agency also plans to replace mail carriers' antiquated arrow lock keys with 49,000 electronic locks.

USPS will offer enhanced in-person change of address transactions starting May 31. Customers seeking a change of address will now receive a validation letter at their old address and receive an activation letter at their new address. The Postal Service will no longer accept third-party change of address submissions.

USPS says residents can take several actions to prevent mail theft: -Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox. Reduce the chance of being victimized by removing your mail from your mailbox every day.

- Deposit outgoing mail through a number of secure manners including inside your local post office, at your place of business, or by handing it to a letter carrier.

- Sign up for Informed Deliver and get daily digest emails that preview your mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon.

- Become involved in neighborhood watches and local social media groups to spread awareness and share information.

- Keep an eye out for your letter carrier. If you see something that looks suspicious, or you see someone following your carrier, call 911.

Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service here or calling 877-876-2455.

This article was originally posted to News 12.

Share:
More In General News
In Case You Missed It: Plane's Landing Gear Snaps During Emergency Landing
A plane bound for the U.S. made a shocking emergency landing on Sunday. This video was captured as a cargo plane leaving Luxembourg for Chicago was forced to return to the runway for an emergency landing when its landing gear failed to retract. Part of the landing gear then snapped off during the emergency landing.
Legal Sports Betting Marks Five Years in the United States
This month marks the five-year anniversary of legal sports betting in the U.S., and Americans have bet $220 billion dollars in that time on events like the NBA playoffs. Cheddar News reporter Ashley Mastronardi tells us what's next in the world of online gambling as the industry continues to grow.
'Crime Files: Justice Delayed' Tracks a 30-Year-Old Case
Cheddar's new series' Crime Files' airs a new episode every Monday. Tonight's episode "Justice Delayed" looks at the case of Edward Bullock, a New Jersey sheriff who abused children in his custody for decades. Senior investigative reporter Walt Kane breaks it down.
Load More