The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of widespread mailbox theft occurring in rural parts of the county.
Thefts have been occurring for about six months, but the number of incidents has ratcheted up in recent weeks, said Jim Hendricks, investigator for the Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s happening all over the county,” he said.
A woman was arrested a couple of months ago in connection with stealing from mailboxes, but the thefts continued, suggesting more than one person or group is involved, Hendricks said.
Authorities are advising residents to empty their mailboxes every day as soon as possible after the mail has been delivered. If residents observe suspicious activity, they are asked to get a description of the vehicle, a license plate number if possible and to notify the dispatch center at 385-2900.
The thefts seem to be occurring late at night or early in the morning while it is dark. The suspects seem to target mailboxes along straightaways so they can see cars approaching, Hendricks said.
The thieves have been taking all the mail, but they seem to be looking for blank checks that banks issue this time of year that allow customers to obtain quick loans.
Major credit card companies also send out blank checks or checks with a certain dollar amount that allow customers to write in the name of a store, and it is accepted like any other check, said Dan Bender, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.
“Thefts from mailboxes occur all year round,” he said, “but particularly this time of year when people are receiving gifts and cards with cash in them.”
About 40 mailboxes were emptied twice last week in the Durango Hills subdivision, said Bob Pfeiffer, chairman of the Durango Hills road district.
“They must have shown up with a laundry basket, opened all the doors and scooped (all the mail into the basket),” he said. “They left all the doors open on the mailboxes.”
Stealing mail is a federal offense. The crime is usually also associated with fraud and identity theft, which are felonies, Hendricks said.
shane@durangoherald.com
