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Mail theft is becoming a widespread problem as thieves steal checks from collection boxes. The Postal Service is trying to combat the trend.

Advertisement Read in browser Read in browser The Daily Money ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW Thu Jul 6 2023 Paul Davidson |  Economics and Jobs Reporter Mail carrier Edward Medley of Groveport, Ohio, loads his delivery truck with mail and packages for his Obetz route behind the South Columbus, Ohio branch of the United States Postal Service Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch Happy Wednesday, Daily Money readers. Hope you had a great July 4th holiday. As if we all didn't have enough to worry about these days, here's something you probably didn't anticipate: The check you sent in the mail could be stolen. Neither snow nor rain are posing much of a hurdle for mail carriers but mail theft and armed robbery represent a growing problem. There were more than 25,000 high-volume mail thefts , including from collection boxes, in the first half of fiscal 2023, compared to 38,500 for all of fiscal 2022, the U.S. Postal Service said. The Postal Service plans to combat the trend with more secure collection boxes and replacing older key locks with electronic locks. Thieves have robbed letter carriers of the keys and then stolen mail from the receptacles. Insurance firms leave California due to wildfire risk As wildfires become more common in California, some insurance companies are opting not to renew or write new homeowner policies in the state. With more than 1.2 million California homes at risk of extreme wildfire, State Farm and Allstate have pulled out of new coverage in the most populous state, according to the Insurance Information Institute. There are steps homeowners can take to protect their property and possibly reduce premiums, such as removing all vegetation from the area near the building and installing noncombustible material such as gravel or paving stones. 📰More stories you shouldn't miss📰 GOP victory: Judge restricts Biden officials from contacting Facebook, tech companies A move from California to Texas could save a million dollars. Many Americans are opting in. Will UPS workers strike? Teamsters union, company end talks without a new contract. Is too much farmland owned by foreigners? New worries emerge over Chinese ownership Recall alert The maker of the Belvita Breakfast Sandwich this week announced the recall of two products that may contain undeclared peanuts arising from cross contact on a manufacturing line. The recall is for the Belvita Breakfast Sandwich Cinnamon Brown Sugar with Vanilla Creme and the Belvita Breakfast Sandwich Dark Chocolate Creme with a "best when used by" date prior to Feb. 26, 2024. People with a severe sensitivity or a peanut allergy who consume the products may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer news from USA TODAY. We break down financial news and provide the TLDR version: how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you. Judge blocks Biden officials from contacting social media companies A federal judge restricted the Biden administration from talking to social media platforms about content moderation on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. 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Find out in this week's real estate law column. READ MORE Where is the economy headed? Watch these 4 factors. Bank stability, inflation, recession fears and politics will play a role in determining where the economy goes for the remainder of the year. READ MORE Can we blame boomers for the housing shortage? Sort of. Boomers hold 44% of real estate wealth in the United States, a study shows. What that means for the housing market. READ MORE How should you deal with rude customers? Expert weighs in. Service industry workers often become the target of customers' ire, with hostile behavior creating a toxic work environment, affecting well-being. READ MORE Why the cost of buying a new car just soared The number of car buyers paying $1,000 a month in auto loan financing has hit an all-time high, driven up by car shortages and high interest rates. READ MORE Advertisement Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! 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