Greenwich Sees Uptick In Mail Thefts: Police

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department is warning residents about a recent rash of mail theft from residential mailboxes.

Since Oct. 3, according to Lt. John Slusarz of the GPD, there have been six instances in which a package or mail has been taken from a home:

• Edgewater Drive on Oct. 3
• Josephine Averisto Avenue on Oct. 21
• Hartford Avenue on Oct. 15
• Sherwood Farms on Oct. 27
• Rockwood Lane on Nov. 3
• North Agnes Road on Nov. 7.

Specifically, thieves are looking for outgoing checks or protected personal information. If possible, the GPD suggests switching to online banking, or bringing bills to the post office or a blue drop-off box for mailing.

If a check needs to be mailed, residents should review their bank statements to make sure the check has been cashed in the correct amount and to the correct person or business.

Regular review of credit reports for fraudulent activity should also be done to protect against identity theft.

Slusarz said this criminal activity isn't new, it's just picking up at the moment. It's hard to determine what time the incidents happen, he added.

"We're just telling residents to be aware of anything that looks suspicious," Slusarz said. "If it's not a mail truck or a delivery service, and someone pulls up to a mailbox and starts taking things out, that's probably suspicious enough to give us a call as long as it's not people that live there."

Patrol officers are on the lookout for suspicious activity. If anyone other than a mail carrier is removing mail or if mail has been stolen, call the GPD at 203-622-8004.

Some other safety tips from the GPD

• Get your mail daily. Don't let it sit in the mailbox overnight.
• If you go out of town, sign up for USPS Hold Mail
• Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery so you know what to expect in the mail that day.
• Switch to paperless billing.