CARE CAN FIGHT MAIL THEFT, CHECK `WASHING'.

Byline: Karen Thacker Special to the Daily News

Just as there are precautions to keep burglars from entering a home, there are steps to avoid becoming a victim of mail theft, as well.

Postal officials warn that some criminals target mail boxes, stealing checks for ``washing'' - erasing the payee and amount, then forging a new name and amount and cashing the check.

In the Antelope Valley alone, four people have been arrested in the past year for mail theft and check-washing schemes.

``It goes in waves,'' said postal inspector Pamela Prince. ``It might hit one area for a while, then another.''

One Los Angeles man was suspected of washing checks stolen from what the postal service calls ``neighborhood delivery and connection box units'' - the big silver mailboxes that in new housing tracts replace individual mailboxes at homes - in Palmdale and Lancaster.

Another Los Angeles man, a Palmdale woman and a Lancaster man were arrested in separate investigations on suspicion of negotiating checks stolen from home mailboxes. The Lancaster man was believed to have run his check washing operation out of a hotel room, officials said.

But people can take steps to keep their checks from winding up in the wrong hands.

Precautions start with simply not leaving outgoing mail in an unlocked receptacle.

``Leaving the red flag up on a mail box is a sign for people washing checks,'' said Terri Bouffiou, a U.S. Postal Service representative for Southern California.

People should consider mailing bills at a locked blue street collection box or bringing them to a post office. Even if you mail bills from a street collection box, try to avoid dropping in mail after the last scheduled pickup time.

The locked residential group mailboxes are fairly safe but still offer an inviting target because there is more mail to steal in one swoop, Bouffiou said.

When writing checks, use heavy, dark ink and fill all lines completely.

Roller ball, felt tip and fountain pen inks are the hardest for check thieves to alter. Ball point inks are easier to change.

``Do not abbreviate,'' Prince added. ``Write out the payee in full in heavy dark ink and fill in the blank areas with a squiggly line.''

Become familiar with your letter carrier's normal delivery time and promptly remove mail from your box, especially if you are expecting or receiving credit cards or other items of value, officials recommend.

If you are going on vacation or leaving town for a few days, arrange to have a friend pick up the mail or have the post office hold your mail. Do not let it sit in the mail box for days.

Call the Sheriff's Department immediately or postal inspectors, at [phone], and your local post office if your mail has been stolen or tampered with.

Also note suspicious activity in your neighborhood, such as someone watching or following the letter carrier or loitering around mailboxes.