Brenda Templin
12-12-2004, 02:24 AM
What next? I just saw the article below on the local nbcactionnews website tonight. I live in one of the cities listed, and have come home 3 times in the past month to find my mailbox open. Luckily, I have not put any bills in the mailbox to be mailed. I am wondering, however, whether any mail I received has been taken. :(
Police raise red flag on mailbox thefts
December 9, 2004
Criminals are prowling the streets, trying to rob you without setting foot in your house. They're stealing mail, hoping to find checks or money you send out.
Olathe police are investigating six potential mailbox thefts reported in the past two days and federal postal officials have cracked recent cases in Blue Springs, Independence and Belton.
Linda Rockel couldn't believe someone would steal her mail. "Somebody ripped off my bills."
She raised the red flag after putting two bills in the box. Thieves now have checks with an account number and a signature. It's one way to steal someone's identity.
U.S. Postal Inspectors say it's a holiday hunt for criminals. To protect your mail, always drop outgoing bills into a blue mail drop or at the post office or give mail directly to a letter carrier.
The Rockel's had the bank freeze their checking account. But they're lucky Linda noticed the theft when she returned to mail one more letter.
Police believe all six Olathe cases are related. Twice witnesses have seen a woman driving up to the mailboxes in a large red or maroon SUV. Anyone with information can call police or postal inspectors.
Brenda
Police raise red flag on mailbox thefts
December 9, 2004
Criminals are prowling the streets, trying to rob you without setting foot in your house. They're stealing mail, hoping to find checks or money you send out.
Olathe police are investigating six potential mailbox thefts reported in the past two days and federal postal officials have cracked recent cases in Blue Springs, Independence and Belton.
Linda Rockel couldn't believe someone would steal her mail. "Somebody ripped off my bills."
She raised the red flag after putting two bills in the box. Thieves now have checks with an account number and a signature. It's one way to steal someone's identity.
U.S. Postal Inspectors say it's a holiday hunt for criminals. To protect your mail, always drop outgoing bills into a blue mail drop or at the post office or give mail directly to a letter carrier.
The Rockel's had the bank freeze their checking account. But they're lucky Linda noticed the theft when she returned to mail one more letter.
Police believe all six Olathe cases are related. Twice witnesses have seen a woman driving up to the mailboxes in a large red or maroon SUV. Anyone with information can call police or postal inspectors.
Brenda