Mail Stolen From Boxes With Red Flag Up In Guilford: Police

GUILFORD, CT — Thursday Guilford police were called to a report of "suspicious activity" on Twin Bridge Road. Police said that an "alert neighbor" reported seeing a dark-colored SUV with New York license plates driving up and down the street. Police said two "dark-complected" men inside the SUV were reported to have gotten out of the vehicle and then began opening mailboxes that had the mailbox flags raised. The two are also alleged to have removed mail from "numerous mailboxes on Twin Bridge and North Madison Road.

Police said the residents all said they'd placed mail in the mailboxes for delivery which contained checks and said the mail was "stolen as USPS had not arrived yet for pickup."

Police are asking folks if they have photos or video to contact Guilford Police Department Officer Quilty at 203-453-8061.

Police advise that people should, whenever possible, mail checks from the large blue mailboxes or directly at the post office.

"Never place your mailbox flag up as it not only alerts the postal delivery person to your mail, but also alerts suspects looking to steal your mail," police noted in a Facebook post. POlice also offered a tip: "Always write out checks with GEL ink as suspects cannot wash GEL ink from checks to cash them."

Police are asking people who live in these areas and may have placed a check in your mailbox Wednesday night or Thursday, to alert their banks and contact police at 203-453-8061.