CHECK OUT THIS MESSAGE I JUST RECEIVED.

Hi, Just a note regarding "At Home in Covington" which you mailed...the wrapping arrived, but the book had been stolen (!!!!). The wrapping had been sliced open and the book removed -- no problem with your wrapping. When I consulted the HELP column at PBS, it advised me to not mark it received -- that I should just let it roll over to "Lost in the Mail". The help column also advises you to contact the post office, etc. Just wanted to let you know...and thanks for attempting to share this book with me!

THIS IS ONLY THE 2ND BOOK I'VE HAD GO LOST IN 2 YEARS AT PBS.

Anyone have any advice on how to deal with the post office?  I've asked the receiver to send me back the packaging so we can see if we can have the post office track where it went.  I do not use DC unless required for a game and I understand books go missing but what this receiver describes is intentional, and it is a very good book.

How frustrating, Lori, for you and the requestor.  I think your idea of getting back the packaging and then talking with the PO about it is a good one.

There is a 'stolen mail' form you need to fill out with the post office to track this down.

well the packaging was thrown away, so the saga ends in a lost book.  i think i'm most upset because it was such a good book.  if it was a harlequin that went missing i probably wouldn't care at all.  i hope whoever stole the book enjoys it and passes it on to other to enjoy.

can i still fill out the stolen mail form without the packaging?

I don't understand.  Wouldn't the receiver have the packaging, not you? Or is the issue that she has thrown it away?

Seems like most stolen mail would not have packaging, so I'd guess that you can complete the form without it.

The form can be completed without it but not at your local PO.  You need to call 800-275-8777 or go to the Postal Inspection Service's web site to fill it out online.  So far I haven't been able to find it on their web site however    :-(

Why is it some people seem so ready to accuse us of theft?  Especially involving a book and even more so when the package arrived sans contents?  Do they really think one of us would risk all we have for a book and then send the wrapper on?   Speaking from the inside, doing this would be very difficult and foolish to risk a career and pension over.  Most employees that steal take from the PO, not the customers.  The package was probably cut open by a piece of equipment, either in sorting or in transportation.  It tends to burn me a bit when someone's reaction is "someone stole my book".

If we were paid minimum wage and no bennefits or retirement then I would say possibly.  Private delivery/transportation companies have real problems with this but the PO takes sanctity of the mails very serious.  That's one of the arguments for paying us what they do and the internal security is awsome.

I suggest that if an employee is going to risk loosing all and doing time in a Federal Pen it is going to be for more then a used book.

Sorry, Steve, you are so right.  I apologize.  I don't plan on reporting it.  Life is crazy enough.  I was upset t first, but have calmed down. 

Lori, I encourage you to report it.  The book could be sitting in dead letter and if you and the PO can identify it you will get it.  This may take some time but it does work sometimes so I would say it is worth the effort.  I always encourage customers to do this, I've seen it work.

The main problem I have with it now is finding the form on the Inspector's web site although it's been a couple of weeks since I looked so maybe they have it up by now.  If not use the 800 number.

Things do get stolen, though, sorry to say.  I find it hard to believe a piece of equipment would tear and take out my sample tea bag from Republic of Tea with every single catalog they send me.  Funny, never had a maxi pad or tampon sample missing!