Arrest prompts Advice on How to protect Mail

With the recent arrest of a Franklin, North Carolina man on charges of petit larceny for stealing mail, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office offers tips on how to prevent your mail from being stolen. 83-year-old Roy England Norvell, Jr., was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center Sunday morning after a deputy spotted him walk out from under a shed. Being familiar with him and knowing he did not live at the residence, the deputy observed him open a mailbox on Elizabeth Drive and take mail out of the mailbox. After stopping and talking with Norvell, the deputy was given a white envelope, which belonged to the homeowner. After placing Norvell under arrest for petit larceny, a search produced another envelope from an address on West Main Street in West Union. Norvell was issued a ticket for petit larceny for the theft of mail from the address on Elizabeth Drive. A warrant for a second charge of petit larceny was obtained on Feb. 2 for the theft of mail from the address on West Main Street in West Union. Norvell currently remains in jail at the Oconee County Detention Center. There are steps you can take to protect your mail from being stolen, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Use letter slots inside the post office to mail letters or bills or hand it to your mail carrier. If you change your address, notify the Post Office and anyone you do business with immediately. Don’t send cash in the mail. If you plan to be out of town, notify your postal carrier to stop or hold your mail until you return. You can also ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail while you are away. Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave your mail overnight in the mailbox. If you don’t receive a check or valuable mail you have been expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately. Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered. If you suspect mail theft, contact your Postal Inspector.