The U.S. Postal Service is deploying 12,000 new security mailboxes in a response to fraud incidents involving stolen mail.

The high security blue collection boxes will be installed nationwide in “high security risk areas” though the exact locations haven’t been announced. According to USPS, the boxes will be harder and more difficult for criminals to access.

USPS is also replacing its antiquated “arrow” locks with 49,000 electronic locks, a move that comes after the service reported that letter carriers have been targeted for their specialty keys that allow for box access. The new locks have already been installed in select cities with installation in additional major metro areas soon.

“We’re doubling down on our efforts to protect our postal employees and the security of the mail. We are hardening targets – both physical and digital – to make them less desirable to thieves and working with our law enforcement partners to bring perpetrators to justice,” said Postal Inspection Service Chief Gary Barksdale.

The changes come as the agency reports an increase in high volume mail theft incidents from blue collection boxes. There have been more than 25,000 incidents in the first half of this year compared to 38,500 for all of last year.

How to prevent mail theft and fraud:

USPS has tips for protecting yourself against mail theft:

• Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox. You can significantly reduce the chance of being victimized by simply removing your mail from your mailbox every day.
• Safest way to deposit outgoing mail is inside your local post office or by handing it to a letter carrier directly.
• Sign up for Informed Delivery and get daily digest emails that preview your mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon.
• Keep an eye out for your letter carrier. If you see something that looks suspicious, or you see someone following your carrier, call 911.
• Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455.