Police Alert: Residential Mailboxes Targeted in Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — There has been a recent spike in mail theft and resulting check fraud in the area, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

Police say thieves are targeting residential mailboxes and taking any outgoing mail in hopes of finding checks. The checks are then altered so they can be cashed at area banks.

As such, authorities have issued suggestions for avoiding being victimized:

• Place outgoing mail in an official USPS collection box or drop off the mail at a United States Post Office or mail service store
• Utilize a Post Office Box (P.O. Box) as your primary residential mailbox
• Make payments online when available or utilize automatic electronic payment options for routine or scheduled payments
• Protect incoming mail by purchasing a USPS approved locking mailbox
• Try to retrieve your mail shortly after it is delivered. The longer the mail remains in the mailbox, the more opportunity there is for it to be stolen.
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 703-777-1021

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