Pine Beach Police Warn Of Theft From Mail Collection Boxes

PINE BEACH, N.J. — Police found a device they suspect was used to steal mail out of a curbside collection box outside Pine Beach Post Office. Pine Beach police announced Monday that they are investigating the report of "mailbox fishing."

"Mailbox fishing" refers to thieves grabbing mailed letters, searching through them for checks they can alter and fraudulently cash. The Toms River Police Department announced in February they are investigating several of these cases.

Read more: Thieves Stealing Mail From Postal Service Boxes In Toms River: PD

Pine Beach police are working with local postal inspectors, the Ocean County Sheriff's Office and Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities recommend residents consider using verified online bill-payment services or money-transfer options offered through banks. Residents should also monitor their bank accounts for suspicious activity if they have mailed checks or plan to in the near future.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service recommends the following to protect outgoing mail:

• Deposit outgoing mail at your local Post Office or hand your mail to a uniformed letter carrier.
• When using a blue collection box, be sure to deposit your mail before the last pickup time of the day.
• Do your best not to let your outgoing mail sit in a mailbox overnight.

If you observe suspicious activity around the Pine Beach Post Office, you can call the Pine Beach Police Department at 732-341-2616.

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