Mail Theft Increase Prompts New Warning From Police In Bergen County

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Despite recent arrests of suspects accused of having stolen mail or checks, a Bergen County town warned residents Friday about an uptick in mail thefts.

"We have seen an increase in reported mail theft incidents in the area," said the Saddle River police in a message sent to residents.

They added, "Residents are encouraged to avoid placing outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive documents in their residential mailboxes."

The message was similar to advice given in the last year from police departments in Fort Lee, Glen Rock, Maywood, and elsewhere in Bergen County.

Several departments reported that after their residents mailed checks from a public post office box, someone altered the checks and cashed them. Other departments reported mailboxes being broken into.

Last week, police in Teaneck arrested a 19-year-old man with 198 checks that were believed to be stolen, as well as a postal uniform.

Police have said thieves drop sticky rodent traps into public mailboxes to fish out mail. Others use stolen keys.

The Saddle River police also gave this advice in their message on Friday:

• Use secure collection boxes or drop mail directly at the Post Office whenever possible

• Retrieve incoming mail promptly after delivery

• Consider signing up for USPS Informed Delivery for added awareness of expected mail

They said to report any suspicious activity involving mailboxes or mail collection to the local police.

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