KETTERING — The victims of thefts from mail are counting higher and higher around the Miami Valley. This comes after reports of at least three branches having outside drop boxes criminally emptied and a mail carrier having keys stolen.
At the post office branch on Forrer Avenue in Kettering, police said they found the doors of the drop boxes unsecured over the weekend and mail containers empty.
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Other branches in Beavercreek and Washington Township have also been hit, and it’s leading to new suggestions for postal customers.
Customers driving through the drop box line at the Paragon Road post office branch found new signs on the blue drop boxes. The signs said to take all mail inside after 5pm and, really anytime, if they are concerned about security.
Captain Mike Brem runs the Montgomery County Sheriff substation in Washington Township. He said, “We have 26 confirmed cases. We took our last report yesterday.”
Deputies began investigation and working closely with postal service inspectors after a mail carrier was surprised by two men and had her keys stolen.
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The branch on Paragon Road is one where several customers have reported bills they mailed being stolen.
The crimes turn into a nightmare for victims and destinations and amounts on checks are changed.
“Whether you’re putting a hold on your account, then your debit and credit cards don’t work. It’s a big hassle for the individual,” Brem said.
Many customers are heading inside but those with mobility issues hate to lose the convenience of outside drop boxes. One man said he doesn’t think the postal service is doing all they could.
Several local law enforcement agencies are working with postal inspectors who are not commenting but said they are looking at all avenue of customer protection and convenience. However, until arrests are made, or procedures are changed, “We’re encouraging people to go inside to drop mail and not drop in the outside boxes,” Brem said.
It is a federal crime to tamper with any United States postal service property or the mail. The charges in this case would likely be felonies that carry hefty federal prison sentences if someone is arrested or convicted of them.
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