Montgomery County battles mail thefts

Jamie Forzato, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Mail thefts have become a growing problem in Montgomery County.

Since November 2012, someone has been stealing mail right out of residents’ mailboxes in the greater Olney area. The thefts occur when victims place outgoing mail in the mailboxes, including envelopes that contain checks.

Montgomery County police say the suspects steal the envelopes, remove and alter the checksand cash them at local banks. Though this is a frequent occurrence throughout the area, police think the thefts in Olney may be related.

The thieves have not been caught, so police are urging people to report suspicious behavior. Police recommend dropping off important outgoing mail at a U.S. Post Office.

Mail theft is a felony and criminals can face a fine and jailtime.

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(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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