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.
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, allowing the thieves to retrieve it later. Typically, these tools have cardboard or paper “handles” that assist in pulling the mail back out of the box.
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.
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. Citizens are encouraged to go inside the post office to drop off their mail.
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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