Mailbox Theft On The Rise In Braintree, Police Say

BRAINTREE, MA — Residents in Braintree have reported an uptick in mail theft that have left some with a hit to their bank account.

The Braintree police are reporting an increase in the number of reports pertaining to theft from mailbox collection bins, officials said. Victims had mailed checks to utility companies only to realize that large sums of money were withdrawn from their accounts.

"The thieves will steal the mail, then alter the checks for thousands of dollars," police said.

Officials said mailboxes around town have security features to prevent "mailbox fishing," but that "it’s possible the thieves are using master keys to open the collection doors."

"When mailing checks, it’s always best to physically go inside the post office and drop it with a carrier or in the interior mail chute," police advise.