The Whitefish U.S. Post Office is warning residents to use caution after a recent increase in mail theft cases.

Postmaster Scott Foster said there has been an upswing of mail theft in the last few weeks from mailboxes in areas outside of Whitefish. He estimates there has been about a half dozen incidents.

“It’s been happening in areas just outside the city limits,” Foster said. “The two biggest things we tell people is to pick up mail promptly and to have us hold their mail if they are going to be gone.”

He said people are leaving on vacation, letting their mail pile up in their boxes, and before they can collect the mail it’s been taken.

“Let us hold it for you,” he said. “We’re happy to redeliver it for you.”

Foster also noted a change at the Post Office, those picking up mail that’s been held will now have to present identification to collect the mail.

In addition, he recommends for those wanting to mail letters to drop them in the blue collections boxes at the Post Office on Baker Avenue or the boxes that are being re-installed soon at the Mountain Mall.

If mail theft is suspected, folks are asked to call the police immediately and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 (press 3).

The Postal Inspection Service offers a few tips to protect mail from thieves:

- Pick up mail promptly after delivery and don’t leave it in the mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.

- Tell the Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.

- Use the letter slots inside the Post Office for mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.

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

- Don’t send cash in the mail.

- Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.