Thieves targeting blue USPS mailboxes in Indian Hills neighborhood, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Police are warning residents in the Indian Hills neighborhood about thieves stealing mail from blue United States Postal Service boxes.

The police department said the thieves are not just altering checks taken from the blue boxes, but they're also using victims' identities to access and steal money from their bank accounts.

Indian Hills Police said the thefts are primarily happening from the blue boxes at the Holiday Manor shopping center.

Neighbors are encouraged to avoid using the blue boxes for any mail that may contain personal or financial information — such as checks, credit applications and more.

Jeff Sagrecy, a local postal inspector, said it's difficult to get an accurate number of mail thefts in a particular area, but postal inspectors in Louisville are targeting areas like Holiday Manor in an effort to catch thieves in the act.

Sagrecy said customers typically report mail theft to local police, but wants residents to know they can also file complaints with the United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as police.

You can report mail theft by calling 1-877-876-2455 or online by clicking here.

Sagrecy also suggests customers drop their mail inside the post office itself, when possible. If using a blue box, he recommends putting your mail in prior to the pickup on that specific day. He said it's good practice to avoid letting mail sit in any type of mailbox overnight.

For more information and tips to protect your mail, click here.

Anyone who may have information on the crimes is asked to call the Indian Hills Police Department at (502) 893-1375.

The penalties for mail theft vary, depending on whether the suspect is charged under federal or state law. Federal charges can result in higher penalties.

Mail theft is considered a felony under federal law. It can result in up to $250,000 in fines and up to five years in jail. Mail theft includes stealing, taking, or obtaining mail by fraudulent means from mailboxes, post offices, mail carriers, or other authorized mail depositories.

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