Security is important not only for your Internet safety to prevent identity theft and for your home to prevent burglary, it's also important for your surrounding property and other materials like your mailbox and postal mail. Because the sad fact is that although a load of personal info passes through your mailbox nearly every day, the majority of people don't give a second thought to theft prevention with their mailboxes. And sadder still, identity theft has been on the rise lately, due in part to easy access on the part of thieves to your private info accessed through your mailbox.

A major point of focus in mailbox theft is that although there are a lot of different types of mailboxes from slots to wooden and metal boxes that rest against the front outer wall, to those attached outside to posts and many more. Yet most of them are outdated, at least with regards to security. Yes, the mailboxes open freely so that people can insert mail. But they open and can remain open freely for anyone, good or bad.

And inside the boxes open to the general public, you receive plenty of mail on a regular basis - a basis that could easily be tracked by anyone form month to month - with complete private info about yourself and your accounts. Bank statements, credit card and loan statements, utility bills, checks and other precious documents arrive regularly. A thief who can be only seconds ahead of you can easily gain access to your info in a heartbeat.

Then the thief can use your info, your identity, your accounts. And you could wind up out a lot of money, time fighting charges and aggravation with the entire mess.

Fight back with these tips:

* Replace your old mailbox with a mail slot in your door or a box with a slot for the mail carrier and key access to the bottom for you. * Think about getting a post office box instead. * Stop mail while you're away for extended periods. * If you are expecting people to drop by while you are away, an ex-spouse or a house sitter, friends of adult children, etc., for example, hinder mail access by stopping delivery or setting up a key-access only solution for getting your mail if you are not comfortable with other people seeing your mail.

So when you think about identity theft, think about your postal mail, too. Every piece of mail contains some type of identity that guides the document to your home. So use caution and plan ahead for your safety and your family's safety.

About the Author

Author and internet entrepreneur Bernard Pragides offers expert advice and tips regarding identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and fraud by visiting his blog at http://www.identity4life-blog.com and his website http://www.IdentityProtek.com for more helpful information.