The following is from SFPD Press Release on Aug 8, 2014:
On June 14, 2014, members of the Taraval Station Investigations Team arrested 30 year old Giovanni Lauretta, of San Francisco, for nine counts of mail theft, identity theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, and elder abuse after serving a search warrant at his residence in San Francisco. Shortly after his arrest, Lauretta was released on his own recognizance and immediately began to re-offend.
Taraval Station Investigators quickly re-arrested Lauretta on August 1, 2014, for 20 additional counts of mail theft, possession of stolen property, and elder abuse. Taraval Investigators then successfully petitioned the court to increase Lauretta’s bail to $500,000.00, ensuring that he will not be released back into the community to re- offend.
Lauretta has already been linked to defrauding over 40 victims in the Taraval District. Taraval Station Investigators are working with U.S. Postal Inspectors on the investigation. If you believe that you have been a victim, or have any additional information, please contact Sergeant Farrell of Taraval Station at 415-759-3120 or Sergeant Goldsborough at number 415-759-3145.
PROTECT YOUR MAIL. The following tips are from the US Postal Inspection Service:
1). Use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
2). Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
3). If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
4). If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
5). Don’t send cash in the mail.
6). Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
7). Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.
8). Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes).
9). Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.
*** If you see a mail thief at work, or if you believe your mail was stolen, call 911 immediately, then call Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (press 3).
Go to the US Postal Inspection Service mail theft for more information.