Mail Thieves Targeting Backcountry Greenwich

Greenwich Police say they have teamed up with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to investigate the "widespread and ongoing series of mail thefts" in the backcountry area of Greenwich.

According to police, there have been 30 reported cases of mail theft reported to both agencies between August 2013 and Jan. 1, 2014.

Many of the thefts occurred during the holiday season "when residents leave cash tops for their mail carriers or send cash, checks or valuables through the U.S. Mail," police said in a statement.

And authorities expects the thefts to continue through the upcoming tax season when U.S. Treasury checks and personal credit information is mailed — prime information for identity thieves.

According to Greenwich Police, the backcountry appears to be targeted by the thieves because of the remoteness of the neighborhoods and the easy access to the Merritt Parkway where roadside mailboxes and multiple stand-alone mailbox units are prevalent and attractive to the thieves.

Police said that checks stolen from Greenwich residents "have been cashed as far away as Texas."

Police are advising resident to acquire lockable mailbox inserts — which are approved by the postal service and can be bolted into existing mailboxes — to thwart the mail pilferers.

"Residents are urged to utilize blue U.S. Post Office collection boxes or a U.S. Post Office facility for their outgoing mail. Special care should be taken with checks, valuables and documents that contain credit information," police said.

Mail thefts should be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspector's Office at 860-524-6030. Mail thefts in progress should be reported to the Greenwich Police Department at 203-622-8000.