WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) put out a warning on social media about mail being stolen from mailboxes in the city.
In the tweet they remind people to get their mail as soon as it comes to avoid someone else getting to it first.
WSPD said this happened in the Polo Road area of Winston-Salem.
Several people we spoke with today have had mail stolen in the past.
Sometimes it was out of their mailbox, sometimes it was from their porch.
"I'm one of those that does not check it every day. I get it maybe twice -- it piles up and I get it. But I'm going to start getting it daily now and keep a check on it more than what I do," said Robin Wilson who lives near Polo Road in Winston-Salem.
"We're pretty bad at it I've got to say. Like oh this arrived in the mail a few days ago -- we forgot our bill -- or something so we're not super vigilant about that," said James Virgil, who lives off of Polo Road.
Vigilance though, is how Winston-Salem police suggest you keep yourself safe.
Get your mail every day before someone else does.
Another way to *prevent* mail theft is you should get to know your neighbors.
"Most of our neighbors look out for each other so I wouldn't think someone would be around here stealing things," said Wilson.
What if that thief does steal some of your mail?
Winston-Salem Police say time is of the essence. Call 9-1-1 as soon as you know something has gone wrong even if you think it's a lost cause. It can help police figure out where to put patrols so next time, they can stop this kind of thing before it even happens.
As always Winston-Salem Police are also reminding people to lock their vehicles and homes as part of the 9 p.m. routine they put out on social media.