Mail Identity Theft: August 2015

Here is a round-up of mail and identity theft news stories from across the nation in the month of August. Remember, prevention is key, and it starts with a secure locking mailbox!

Aug. 1:

• LYNNWOOD, Washington: HeraldNet.com – Woman held as police investigate allegedly stolen mail; “Armed with a court order, police searched the vehicle July 28 and recovered the bags of mail. “We are estimating between 40 and 50 victims,” Lynnwood police Cmdr. Jim Nelson said.”

Aug. 2:

• ELK GROVE, Minnesota: Star News – Police Report; “Theft of mail was reported July 19 on 181st Avenue. An Elk River woman, 28, told police that a personal check that had been sent by a relative was taken and cashed July 15 by an unknown person using the name of “Brian.””
• MUNCIE, Indiana: The Star Press – Woman charged with stealing mail; “A Losantville woman is accused of stealing letters and packages from mailboxes in a north Muncie neighborhood.”

Aug. 3:

• DUNCAN, Oklahoma: KSWO 7 – Rash of mail thefts hits Stephens County; “The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is investigating about a dozen reports of stolen mail over the course of the last two weeks, and say an arrest could be right around the corner.”
• MUNCIE, Indiana: WTHR 13 – Muncie residents on alert after string of mail thefts; “Neighbors in Muncie are paying more attention to their mailboxes after a string of thefts.”

• OPP, Alabama: Dothan Eagle – Opp woman charged in mail thefts; “Hill said the charges stemmed from checks which police believe were stolen from mailboxes at local Samson residences.”

Aug. 4:

• OLYMPIA, Washington: KOMO 4 – Residents use surveillance, social media to fight off mail thieves; “Video taken from an infrared camera shows a car pulling up to a line of mailboxes on Tag Lane Northwest in Olympia in the early hours of Thursday morning. A man in the passenger seat appears to use a flashlight to open and then peer into mailboxes before the driver takes off. Mail theft is difficult to track because many victims don’t notify authorities, said Lt. Cliff Ziesemer with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Often, someone might not realize their mail has been stolen until there’s an issue with a credit card or identify theft.”
• BELVILLE, North Carolina: WECT 6 – Mail theft reported in Brunswick County; “The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of mail being stolen from mailboxes in residential homes in Belville. Several homeowners in the Olde Towne, Woodridge, and River Ridge subdivisions have reported their mail being stolen recently.”
• WEST SEATTLE, Washington: West Seattle Blog – West Seattle Crime Watch: Mail theft; abandoned bicycle; “Thanks to Leanne for reporting mail theft along 40th SW in Arbor Heights. “Neighbors found a couple envelopes and a birthday card in the ditch.””
• BRUNSWICK COUNTY, North Carolina: Time Warner Cable News – Brunswick Co. Sheriffs Investigating Reports of Mailbox Vandalism; “These incidents have happened in the Olde Towne, Woodridge and River Ridge subdivisions. Authorities are urging the public to take the mail out of their box as soon as possible.”
• OLYMPIA, Washington: KBOI 2 – Wash. residents use surveillance, social media to fight off mail thieves; “A South Sound neighborhood hit by a string of mail thefts is hoping surveillance video might help deliver justice. Video taken from an infrared camera shows a car pulling up to a line of mailboxes on Tag Lane Northwest in Olympia in the early hours of Thursday morning. A man in the passenger seat appears to use a flashlight to open and then peer into mailboxes before the driver takes off.”

• SALT LAKE CITY, Utah: Good4Utah.com – Massive identity theft ring uncovered in Salt Lake; “Officers from the Salt Lake City Police Financial Crimes Unit have arrested Valencia at a downtown hotel and confiscated thousands of documents with a search warrant. Found in the search: stolen and bogus bank and credit cars, personal and business checks, phony social security cards, property tax notices, insurance forms, credit card applications and other stolen mail.”

Aug. 5:

• PORTLAND, Maine: WGME 13 – I-Team: Best time to send your mail to avoid theft; “Investigators across the country say thieves are breaking in and stealing personal and private information you’ve dropped in the mail.“
• SAUHURITA, Arizona: Sauhurita Sun – Thieves target mailboxes at Sahuarita Post Office; “Residents driving up to the two drive-thru mail collection boxes outside the Sahuarita Post Office on Wednesday were greeted with a sign: “Our Collection Boxes have been TAMPERED WITH!!!”“
• PORTLAND, Maine: WGME 13 – I-Team: Best time to send your mail to avoid theft; “You may want to think twice before you drop your mail in one of those outdoor blue postal collection boxes. Investigators across the country say thieves are breaking in and stealing personal and private information you’ve dropped in the mail.”
• RADNOR TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania: Main Line Media – Radnor Township Police Reports; “Stolen mail later found in neighbor’s yard in Wayne. A resident on Ravenscliff Road in Wayne reported finding several pieces of mail in the rear of his house July 22. The mail was taken from several of his neighbor’s houses. Some of the mail had been opened and some had not been opened.”
• ROCKLIN, California: KCRA 3 – Woman arrested after inquiring about visit at Placer Co. jail: Suspect linked to foiled Rocklin burglary; “A 21-year-old Lincoln woman who inquired about visiting an inmate at the Placer County Jail was arrested at the facility when an ID check revealed a $100,000 warrant for a burglary attempt at a Rocklin home, officials said Wednesday.”
• PLACER COUNTY, California: Sacramento Bee – Woman wanted in crime spree arrested after bolting from Placer jail: Suspect ran from jail, but deputy caught up with her as she approached her car; “She was detained, along with a passenger in the car, Jeffrey Weber Duke, 31, of Greenwood. Inside the car was methamphetamine, heroin, morphine pills, stolen mail, stolen identification, a loaded gun and tools that are used to commit burglary, according to a Rocklin police crime summary.”

Aug. 6:

• SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, California: SCVNews.com – Blotter: Burglaries, Thefts, GTA on West Side; “A mail theft occurred on the corner of Kavenaugh Ln / Singer Pl. Person(s) unknown stole incoming and outgoing mail from 4 mailboxes in the area.”

Aug. 7:

• SAN MATEO, California: The Daily Journal – San Mateo County police reports; “Mail theft. Police responded to an incident involving stolen mail on the 800 block of Knoll Drive before 7:11 p.m. Friday, July 31.”
• MIAMI, Florida: Miami News Record – Burglary arrest leads to discovery of possible large mail and identity theft – Police Chief warn residents to take precautions; “Hundreds and hundreds of pieces of mail were recovered by Miami Police after a Miami man, William Alfred Childers, 51, was arrested for burglary charges Wednesday.”
  

• KENT, Washington: KIRO 7 – Identity thief sentenced to seven years in prison for victimizing 44 people; “A 34-year-old Pierce County woman was sentenced to seven years in prison Friday, for stealing mail and spending $27,000 in the name of dozens of people.”

• WILCOX COUNTY, Georgia: WALB 10 – 1 caught, 1 sought in mailbox vandalism; “Investigators are looking for a second man charged with destroying mailboxes.”

• BAKERSFIELD, California: KernGoldenEmpire.com – Thieves pull out entire community mailbox, steal contents then dump box in vacant lot; “A mailbox belonging to the West Day Ranch Development in Oildale was removed from its foundation and dumped about two miles away, after someone took all of its contents.”

Aug. 8:

• WALLA WALLA, Washington: Walla Walla Bulletin – Court report – 8/9/15; “Trevor G. Gorsline, 30, no permanent address listed, was charged July 28 with second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, and possession of stolen mail.”

Aug. 9:

• SAHUARITA, Arizona: Tucson KVOA – Mail theft reported in Sahuarita; “The U.S.P.S.’s Postal Inspection Service in Tucson confirmed that there has been at least two incidents of mail theft from the collection boxes. However, it is unclear when it happened.”

Aug. 10:

• HILLSBORO, Oregon: OregonLive.com – Hillsboro police log for Aug. 2-8: mail taken; “Aug. 3 Mail was stolen from a residence in the 2000 block of Southeast 32nd Avenue. Aug. 4 Packages were stolen from a residence in the 7000 block of Southeast Wrenfield Street.”
• GREEN VALLEY, Arizona: Green Valley News – Public Safety Briefs: Mailboxes targeted outside post office; “Residents driving up to the two drive-thru mail collection boxes outside the Sahuarita Post Office on Wednesday were greeted with a sign: “Our Collection Boxes have been TAMPERED WITH!!!””
• MALIBU, California: Malibu Surfside News – Police Reports; “A person’s mail was stolen from the mailbox of their residence on Morning View Drive. The mail contained a Verizon gift card and an outlet plug for a Ford F-150 truck.”
• MONTROSE, Colorado: Montrose Press – Mail-theft defendants avoid prison; “Two women accused in a string of mail thefts last year would do anything to feed their respective drug habits, it was said in court Monday — but they took responsibility and said they wanted to make amends.”
• NEW YORK, New York: CBS New York – Police: Man Stole Mail, Burned Off Names From Checks And Cashed Them; “Police on Monday identified a suspect who they believe stole mail from residents around the city and cashed their money orders.”

Aug. 11:

• ATLANTA, Georgia: WSB 2 – Woman finds stolen mail scattered along Buckhead streets; “Neighbors say someone stole their mail and left it scattered along several streets in Buckhead.”
• ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Michigan: WSBT 22 – Woman could face federal charges after brief chase, stealing mail; “Stealing mail is a federal offense, but there are some things you can do to help keep your mail and yourself safe. “A couple of things we advise is for folks, if you have those concerns, get a locking mail box. They have them around, they’re not too expensive and they work fairly well,” said Thompson.”
• SAHUARITA, Arizona: Sahuarita Sun – Sahuarita Post Office installs tamper-proof mailboxes; “The Sahuarita Post Office installed two new, more secure drive-thru mail collection boxes Monday following two mail theft incidents in recent weeks, according to a U.S. Postal Service spokesman.”
  

Aug. 12:

• CAMBRIA, California: The Cambrian – Mail thefts reported in Leimert neighborhood of Cambria; “Keep your eyes open, collect your mail from unsecured mailboxes as soon as possible after it’s delivered, and if you see something that seems wrong or out of place, call the Sheriff’s Office at 781-4550. That’s the advice Tuesday, Aug. 11, from Cambria Postmaster Brian Machado, after a midmorning mail-theft incident the day before, as reported by residents in the Leimert neighborhood.”
• SPRINGFIELD, Missouri: KSPR 33 – String of mailbox thefts in north Springfield neighborhood; “The Springfield Police Department is investigating a series of mail theft in north Springfield. It’s happening on McClernon Street, just north of Interstate 44.”
• SANTA CLARITA, California: SCV News – Blotter: Auto, ID Thefts on West Side; “A theft by credit card / vandalism / mail theft occurred on the 25900 block of Verandah Ct. Person(s) unknown pried open the rear door of the victim’s mailbox and stole his mail. The victim stated he later learned that $1,220 was charged on his credit card which was also stolen from his mailbox.”
• RALEIGH, North Carolina: WRAL – Thieves hit mailboxes in North Hills; “Neighbors in North Hills have reported a rash of thefts from their mailboxes, with thieves swiping everything from greeting cards to checks.”

Aug. 13:

• KING COUNTY, Washington: Auburn Reporter – Prolific identity thief sentenced to 7 years in prison; “After they stole personal and financial information from 44 people in King and Pierce counties, Junette Short and her band of fraudsters and identity thieves used counterfeit checks and credit cards to suck money from their bank accounts.”
• TOWAMENCIN, Pennsylvania: The Reporter Online – Police: Mail thief targeted Towamencin residents; “Towamencin police are investigating the theft of mail from numerous residences in the overnight hours between Monday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 11.”
• AMERICAN CANYON, California: Napa Valley Register – American Canyon police identify mail box theft suspect; “American Canyon police have identified a suspect in the summer-long rash of mailbox vandalism and thefts, and have asked for charges from the Napa County District Attorney.”

• WAUSAU, Wisconsin: WSAW 7 – Trial dates set in Wausau mail theft cases; “Two people accused of stealing mail from residential mailboxes are expected to head to trial in November. Court documents state the two would take items from mailboxes and would use what was stolen to get money or order other items.”

• SAHUARITA, Arizona: Tucson News Now – Men arrested in mail theft, check fraud case; “A Tucson area man and a man from Green Valley have been accused of stealing mail and forging checks in Sahuarita, authorities said.”

• TOWAMENCIN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania: NBC Philadelphia – Thieves May Have Tapped Into Your Mailbox; “Thieves are swiping checks from mailboxes in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County. The Towamencin Township Police Department is investigating complaints from residents who reported  mail missing on Monday, Aug. 10 — Tuesday, Aug. 11.“

Aug. 14:

• LANDSALE, Philadelphia: The Morning Call – Mail stolen from Lansdale area mailboxes; some found opened in trash can; “Someone stole mail from at least a half-dozen Lansdale area homes this week and left several opened envelopes behind, Towamencin Township police said.”
• LONG BEACH, California: Signal Tribune – Three-year operation results in arrests of 22 members of Long Beach Crip gang; ““Today’s arrests are a victory for law enforcement in the ongoing battle against gangs who commit financial crimes through our nation’s mail system and victimize an entire nation of law-abiding citizens,” Wemyss said.”
• BRONX, New York: The New York Times – Mail Theft, With a Milk Carton and Some Glue; “The man opened the mailbox and dropped the sticky milk carton inside, holding the string. Then he pulled it back out. Several envelopes were stuck to the carton. He pulled them loose and tossed them in the crate.
• SHAKOPEE, Minnesota: Shakopee Valley News – UPDATE: Shakopee police report; “Mail theft was reported at 10:29 a.m. on the 6900 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 10:58 a.m. on the 6800 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 11:05 a.m. on the 6800 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 11:08 a.m. on the 6800 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 11:29 a.m. on the 2300 block of Pike Lake Road.”
• VALLEJO, California: Times Herald News – Vallejo woman may be charged with string of AmCan mailbox break-ins; “A Vallejo woman has been identified as a suspect in a recent rash of American Canyon mailbox break-ins, American Canyon Police Chief Tracey Stuart said Friday, though Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein says he was just made aware of this development Friday afternoon.”
• TOWAMENCIN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania: ABC 6 – Mail stolen from mailboxes in Montco community; “Authorities in one Montgomery County neighborhood say someone is stealing mail from residential homes, and then trashing what they don’t want.”
• BETHESDA, Maryland: Bethesda Magazine – Chevy Chase Neighborhood Hit by Rash of Stolen Checks, Packages: Six cases involving someone going through residents’ mail or deliveries have been reported since late July; “The tiny neighborhood known as Chevy Chase Section 3 has had six recent incidents of someone going through and ripping up mail or packages left for residents or postal service workers.”

Aug. 16:

• JOHNSTOWN, Ohio: Johnstown Independent – Johnstown: Girl reportedly stole check from woman’s mailbox; “A woman’s mail was reportedly stolen by a young girl on a purple bicycle at 1:19 p.m. Aug. 5 near the 200 block of Stone hedge Row Drive.”

Aug. 17:

• LINDEN, New Jersey: ABC 7 – Police: security video shows suspects using stolen checks and card at ATMs in Linden, Elizabeth; “Authorities believe the suspects may be part of a larger ring of thieves. An investigation of mail theft at a local business found various checks and ATM cards went missing from the mail and later turned up in fraudulent transactions, police said.”

Aug. 18:

• MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota: CBS Minnesota – Sheriff: Several Reports Of Stolen Mail In Stearns Co.; “According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received several calls from people in Avon Township, Brockway Township and Holdingford who reported mail missing from their boxes Tuesday.”
• LOS ANGELES, California: ABC 7 – Los Angeles city attorney launches aggressive plan against identity theft; “Feuer said his office is deepening and broadening its relationship with police and encouraging the public with the same reminders that we’ve heard for years. The reminders include shredding sensitive documents, locking up mail boxes and creating stronger passwords for online accounts.”
• STEARNS COUNTY, Minnesota: BringMeTheNews.com – Stearns County Sheriff investigates apparent rash of mail thefts; “Their checks haven’t arrived and their bills aren’t getting paid – because of an apparent mail theft in central Minnesota.”
• VALENCIA, California: SCVNews.com – Crime Blotter: Burglaries, Thefts in Valencia; “A mail theft occurred near the 27100 block of Highlands Lane. An unknown suspect stole two packages from his porch. The items were confirmed as delivered by USPS.”

Aug. 19:

• GATES MILLS, Ohio: Cleveland.com – Medication missing from resident’s mailbox: Gates Mills Police Blotter; “Theft, Settlers Ridge Road: A resident reported Aug. 11 someone stole a package of medication from his mailbox. The United States Postal Service was also notified of the incident.”
• MOORPARK, California: Ventura County Star – Moorpark police urge mail safety; “Report all suspected mail theft to a postal inspector and consider forming a neighborhood watch program so nearby residents can keep an eye on each other’s mailboxes, police said.”
• FALLBROOK, California: San Diego Union-Tribune – Fallbrook mail thefts put 2 in jail; “Fallbrook residents who reported mail thieves going house to house Tuesday helped sheriff’s deputes catch the pair in the act, authorities said.”
• BAKERSFIELD, California: Bakersfield Now – Business owner, police sound warnings of mail thefts; “He didn’t realize that someone was stealing his mail until he came to work one day to see the damage. His mailbox was wide open.”
• SAN DIEGO COUNTY, California: San Diego 6 – Mail theft on the rise in the county; “Two people were arrested in Fallbrook after deputies caught them stealing mail. Sheriff’s deputies received several reports from all over Fallbrook about stolen mail and a suspicious car.”
• MONTROSE, California: Glendale News-Press – Montrose post office branch locking mail boxes at night: USPS is making effort to prevent theft in Montrose and other branches; “Dropping off mail at the drive-thru receptacles outside the Montrose post office can no longer be part of evening errands because the chutes are being covered and locked after closing.”

Aug. 20:

• CULLMAN, Alabama: Cullman Times – Former downtown Cullman business owner indicted for fraud; “A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Casey Michelle Hardiman, 31, with two counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of possessing stolen mail.”

• ROME, Georgia: Rome News Tribune – Rome woman accused of identity fraud, taking bank numbers from mailbox; “A woman accused of taking her victim’s bank account information remained in jail Wednesday without bond, Floyd County Jail reports state.”
  

• SACRAMENTO, California: Sacramento Bee – Mail theft suspect booked into Sacramento jail: Search of home also turned up ammunition and narcotics paraphernalia; “Sacramento police have arrested a man suspected of snooping around mailboxes and being in possession of stolen mail.”

Aug. 21:

• CAMPBELL, California: San Jose Mercury News – Police Blotter: Police look for woman they say used Woodside resident’s grocery account; “East Sunnyoaks and Dell avenues, 11:20 p.m. Monday Police arrested a 19-year-old man who was on probation. He is suspected of having stolen mail, credit cards and IDs in his vehicle.“
• GOLDEN GATE, Florida: WINK News – Golden Gate mailboxes raided and checks stolen; “Neighbors say their mailboxes are getting raided and mail stolen.”
• VISTA, California: CBS 8 – Couple accused in rash of mail thefts; “Two Riverside residents accused of stealing property from peoples mail boxes in Fallbrook appeared separately before a Vista Courthouse Judge on Thursday.”

Aug. 23:

• SEQUIM, Washington: Peninsula Daily News – Clallam County sheriff’s deputies arrest Sequim man, recover bags of stolen mail; “Five shopping bags of mail containing 600 separate letters stolen from 200 different addresses in Clallam County were recovered early Friday after sheriff’s deputies arrested a Sequim man, authorities said.“
• SHAKOPEE, Minnesota: Shakopee Valley News – Police report; “Mail theft was reported at 10:29 a.m. on the 6900 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 10:58 a.m. on the 6800 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 11:05 a.m. on the 6800 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 11:08 a.m. on the 6800 block of Bass Court. Mail theft was reported at 11:29 a.m. on the 2300 block of Pike Lake Road. Theft of mail was reported at 11:36 a.m. on the 8000 block of Horizon Drive.”

Aug. 24:

• BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Washington: Bainbridge Island Review – Bainbridge police catch couple during alleged early morning mail theft spree; “Bainbridge Island police arrested two people just after 3 a.m. Saturday morning after the pair were allegedly were caught stealing mail in the Hidden Cove and Manzanita area.”
• SEQUIM, Washington: KONP – Investigators recover mail from hundreds of addresses in local theft case; “A Sequim man has been arrested for stealing mail. 40-year-old Scott Haynes faces possible theft, identity theft, and firearms charges.”
• WICHITA, Kansas: KAKE.com – Wichita woman gets probation for theft; banned from Walmart, Target stores; “Cole pleaded guilty to the 24 counts against her, including the mail and identity theft as well as criminal use of financial cards and burglary. She was sentenced to 24 months probation with an underlying sentence of just over nine years.”

• ROCKLIN, California: The Sacramento Bee – Man arrested in Rocklin mail theft after watchful citizen tips off police: In his vehicle, Rocklin officers found stolen mail, checks and credit cards; “An alert Rocklin citizen is being credited with helping police arrest a man suspected of breaking into mailboxes.”

Aug. 25:

• GREEN VALLEY, California: Green Valley News – GV Post Office to make changes after mail theft cases; “The latest report, like at least two others before it, appears to involve stolen mail and check washing, a process where solvents are used to dissolve ink so checks can be rewritten.”
  
• ROCKLIN, California: Rocklin and Roseville Today – Rocklin Resident Helps Police Catch Suspected Mail Thief; “A vigilant Rocklin citizen observed a male suspect forcing entry into a commercial cluster mail box and steal mail”
• CHARLOTTE, North Carolina: WBTV 3 – Police work with USPS to investigate mail and parcel thefts; “The US Postal Service is warning neighbors in south Charlotte and Matthews about mail thefts. Packages from delivery trucks are also being stolen as soon as they are dropped off.”

• CHARLOTTE, North Carolina: WSOCTV.com – Mail thefts reported in Charlotte, Matthews neighborhoods; “Channel 9 learned Tuesday that a neighborhood in Matthews has had three complaints of mail theft, and they’re asking neighbors to be on the lookout.”

• MATTHEWS, North Carolina: WCNC.com – Mail thefts lead to investigation in south Charlotte and Matthews: Neighbors warned about mail thieves; “Department are investigating a series of thefts in Matthews and several Southeast Charlotte zip code areas.”

• PEARLAND, Texas: ABC 13 – Mail theft probe leads to alleged drug lab in Pearland apartment; “An investigation into alleged mail theft led police to what they say was a drug lab inside a Pearland apartment. And now 6 people are facing charges.”

Aug. 26:

• CLALLAM COUNTY, Washington: Sequim Gazette – Deputies arrest Carlsborg mail thief; “During the search of Haynes’ residence, deputies recovered drug paraphernalia, stolen mail, a suspected stolen .22 caliber rifle and a homemade firearm suppressor (silencer), made from a used oil filter.“
• MEMPHIS, Tennessee: WMC 5 – 13 indicted in counterfeit check scheme; “According to Stanton, Mathis stole checks from mailboxes at Cordova businesses.  Most of the stolen checks came from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union’s local chapter.”
• MEMPHIS, Tennessee: WREG 3 – Thirteen indicted in fake check scam; “A woman was caught on camera, hanging out in a church parking lot while waiting on the mailman to visit the office across the street. “Running to the mailbox, getting the mail, and running back to the car,” described Rose Turner.”
• MEMPHIS, Tennessee: MyFoxMemphis.com – 13 Memphians indicted in counterfeit check cashing scheme; “Officials say Eureka Mathis was the ringleader, stealing checks from a local union representing Kroger employees. Authorities also say she recruited others to help her. Then they changed the names on the checks and cashed them at Krogers, Walmarts and banks nationwide.”
• PEARLAND, Texas: Click2Houston.com – Friendswood police bust lab producing meth, pot and psychedelic drug DMT; “This investigation was generated as a result of a mail theft case in mid-August when a witness in the 500 block of Mary Ann called police to report that he observed a woman in a black Toyota stealing mail from two of his neighbors’ mailboxes.”

• CAMPBELL, California: San Jose Mercury News – Campbell Blotter; “Theft–Aug. 18, 11:50 p.m. Sunnyoaks Avenue and Dell Avenue. A driver was found in possession of stolen mail, credit cards and identification cards. The suspect was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.”
• FRIENDSWOOD, Texas: Chron.com – Mail theft investigation leads cops to psychedelic drug lab bust; “Other drugs seized from the apartment included: 7.2 pounds of marijuana, 198.2 grams of methamphetamine, 14 grams of cocaine, 10.9 grams of heroin, 400 units of LSD, 141 units of MDMA (Ecstasy), 235 units of Xanax, 12 units of Hydrocodone, 15 units of Phenobarbital, eight units of Oxycodone, 13 units of Adderall, 1.8 grams of Suboxone, 2.6 grams of butane-extracted hash oil, also known as “shatter”, 11.4 grams of an unknown brown rock substance and a handgun. This investigation was generated as a result of a mail-theft case from last week when a witness in the 500 block of Mary Ann told police he saw a woman in a black Toyota stealing mail from two of his neighbors’ mailboxes.

Aug. 27:

• MANHATTAN BEACH, California: Easy Reader News – Police Beat in Manhattan Beach; “An officer located an illegally parked vehicle on the 2200 block of Ocean Drive that was occupied by two subjects on Aug. 14 at midnight, according to MBPD reports.  An investigation revealed drug paraphernalia and stolen mail inside the vehicle and both subjects were arrested.”
• BAKERSFIELD, California: Bakersfield Now – $10K reward offered in stolen mail case; “A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man suspected of stealing mail.”
• MANHATTAN BEACH, California: The Beach Reporter – Crime Reports: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach; “On Friday, Aug. 14, on the 2200 block of Ocean Drive, an officer located an illegally parked vehicle that was occupied by two subjects. An investigation revealed drug paraphernalia and stolen mail inside the vehicle and both subjects were arrested.”
  
• ROSEVILLE, California: Rocklin and Roseville Today – Roseville Crime Report Digest Update; “Highland Reserve, mail theft, arrest made:  At 11:39 a.m. August 22, officers responded to a report of someone breaking into mail boxes in the area of Winslow Drive and Fifteen Mile Drive.  About an hour later, a Rocklin resident reported the same suspect breaking into a mailbox in Rocklin.  Rocklin Police responded and arrested a 32-year-old male Oroville resident on suspicion of theft, possession of stolen property and other related charges.  They recovered stolen mail, checks, ID cards and evidence of identity theft.”

Aug. 28:

• SALT LAKE CITY, Utah: FOX 13 – Police pursue and arrest two after suspects spotted spray painting stolen SUV; “Police searched the stolen SUV and located, “a great deal of stolen property including: a duffel bag full of mail from at least 20 different people, stolen ID’s, Passports, Vehicle Titles, and Bank Records,” according to the press release.”
• MAUI, Hawaii: MauiNow.com – Maui Resident Sentenced to 6 Years in Jail for Mail, ID Theft; “A Maui woman was sentenced to six years in prison yesterday for aggravated identity theft and mail theft.”

• EMIGRATION CANYON, Utah: KSL.com – 2 women arrested, man missing in connection with mail, vehicle thefts; “Police arrested two women in connection with a rash of thefts in which mail, IDs and other documentation were stolen, but a man who may be involved remains on the loose.”

• HONOLULU, Hawaii: KITV 4 – Maui woman sentenced to 6 years for mail, aggravated identity theft; “Evidence showed that Mahi stole hundreds of mail items and recovered credit cards and other property over at least a six month time period.”

Aug. 29:

• HAIKU, Hawaii: The Maui News – Haiku woman gets 6-year term for mail, identity theft; “A Haiku woman who was arrested with more than 200 pieces of stolen mail last year was sentenced Thursday to six years in prison for aggravated identity theft and theft of mail.”
• LOGANVILLE, Georgia: Loganville-Grayson Patch – Opened Mail: Walton County Sheriff’s Office activity, Aug. 26; “In the area of Oakwood Drive and Rabbit Farm Road United State Postal Service worker reported there were numerous mailboxes with flags up and the mail was opened on the ground.”

Aug. 30:

• FRIDLEY, Minnesota: Sun Focus – Police reports from Fridley August 13-19; “Mail was reported stolen Aug. 15 of the 100 block of 62nd Way NE. A residential mail box was reported damaged Aug. 14 on the 1500 block of 73rd Avenue NE.

Aug. 31:

• LAS VEGAS, Nevada: News3LV.com – Rip-Off Alert: Declined debit card leads to ID theft ring; “Postal inspectors were able to link the declined card and the personal debit card to track the ID thieves. Here’s how it started: Chase Bank recognized a pattern of fraudulent accounts being opened. “Someone was opening up credit cards and taking over people’s existing credit card accounts,” Fascio said.”