ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – The Ormond Beach Police Department is issuing a warning after a series of mail thefts at U.S. Post Office locations within the city and surrounding areas.
According to a news release, the unidentified individuals have stolen mail from both the premises and the large blue exterior mailboxes. These incidents have led to fraudulent activity, with stolen checks being altered and cashed.
According to police, already 50 people have fallen victim to this.
How are these thefts occurring?
Commonly known as “snorkel boxes,” the makeshift devices are hidden inside the blue mailboxes and used to trap incoming mail. Police say the contraptions obstruct the normal flow of mail.
“What’s been placed inside of those boxes are paper fixtures, cardboard fixtures. They actually capture your mail instead,” said Det. Daniel Jordan with the Ormond Beach Police Dept.
These make-shift devices are almost impossible to tell if the fixtures are there, Jordan said, unless you are the suspect.
“There are some yellow flaps that act as handles. So as easy as it is to slide them inside of the box, it’s easy to pull it out as well,” Jordan said.
What are the warning signs?
If it appears your mail has not dropped to the bottom of the box, it may have been tampered with. Citizens are urged to exercise caution when using these mailboxes.
“Anything that’s bigger than a regular package, that can slide in that slot, please try to consider taking it inside,” Jordan said.
Also, avoid putting anything of value in the boxes, like banking information or passports.
What can you do?
If you spot suspicious activity near mailboxes, please notify local post office management and contact law enforcement immediately. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is also actively investigating these incidents.
If you have been a victim of mail theft or have experienced related fraud, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455. You can also file a report online.
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