Thieves Target Mail In Trumbull, Surrounding Areas: Police

TRUMBULL, CT — Police said there has recently been an increase in mail thefts in Trumbull and neighboring communities and urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir also noted these crimes have also become an increasing problem in many areas throughout the state.

Police are currently investigating several incidents in which mail was stolen from residential curbside mailboxes in town. In one instance, around 4 a.m. Monday, officers interrupted thieves targeting a collection box at a Trumbull shopping center, Weir said.

"Trumbull police are actively working with other law enforcement agencies in attempts to track down and apprehend these criminals," Weir said in a news release. "United States Postal Inspectors also investigate these crimes and work together with local law enforcement agencies regarding these matters."

According to Weir, thieves typically target mailboxes with outgoing mail inside, as well as United States Postal Service collection boxes in various residential and business areas of town, the latter of which allow them to steal larger amounts of mail in a shorter amount of time.

Thieves will then sort through the stolen mail to recover checks and other valuables, Weir said.

"When checks are stolen, thieves will alter and fraudulently cash the stolen checks," Weir said. "Thieves may even use information from the stolen checks to gain access into the victim's bank account."

The department also provided the following tips to help residents ensure their mail arrives safely at its destination and to help protect themselves from falling victim to mail theft and fraud:

• Promptly pickup mail - Try not to leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time.
• Deposit mail close to pick-up time - Deposit your outgoing mail into USPS mail collection boxes before the last collection or inside of your local post office.
• Inquire about overdue mail - If you do not receive a check, credit card, or other valuable mail that you are expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and inquire about it.
• Do not send cash - Be careful about what you send. Do not risk sending cash in the mail.
• Arrange for prompt pickup - If you cannot be home to receive a package, make other arrangements to obtain your items.
• Request a signature confirmation - When mailing something important/valuable, consider requesting a signature in order to confirm receipt by the intended party.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity in their neighborhood or around mail collection boxes in town is asked to call police right away at 203-261-3665, or dial 911 for all emergencies. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service can be contacted at 877-876-2455.