Thieves steal mail from postal trucks, collection boxes, apartment mailbox panels, and neighborhood mailboxes in order to obtain valuable personal information that your mail contains, such as your checks, account numbers, credit card applications and statements.  Never put your mail out in the mailbox with the flag up.  Always wait until the carrier arrives.  Always use a secured postal drop box at your office or use the box located at your neighborhood post office.  Mail theft is often a crime of opportunity and by making it difficult for the fraud artists to steal your information further protects your investments.  Go to www.usps.com/postalinspectors for more information.