Mailbox Thefts on the Rise in Newport Beach

Mailbox thefts are on the rise in Newport Beach, police said.

In addition, packages being snatched from porches are also on the upswing, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.

See map for recent crimes.

Officials offer these tips so your deliveries don't become an easy target:

• Always use a blue post office collection box or deposit your mail inside your local post office. 
• Whether you have a home mailbox or use a post office box, you should always collect your mail on the day it is delivered. Never leave it in your mailbox overnight. 
• Mail thieves look for bank statements and credit card bills, which can be used to create counterfeit checks or fake identifications. 
• Thieves also look for personal checks enclosed in utility bills or other payments. Thieves take these stolen checks, remove the ink, and then fill out the blank check in their name and desired amount. 
• Never send cash or coins through the mail. 
• When reordering checks have them sent to your bank. 
• When you travel, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. 
• If you don’t receive a check, bill, or other mail you are expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.