“We have 26 confirmed cases” of tampered mailboxes – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

KETTERING – Victims of mail thefts matter more and more in the Miami Valley. It comes after reports of at least three branches having exterior drop boxes criminally emptied and a postman having stolen keys.

At the post office branch on Forrer Avenue in Kettering, police said they found the doors to the drop boxes unsecured over the weekend and the mail containers empty.

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Other branches in Beavercreek and Washington Township were also affected, leading to new suggestions for postal customers.

Customers crossing the line of drop boxes at the Paragon Road Post Office branch found new signs on the blue drop boxes. Signs said to take all mail inside after 5pm and really anytime if concerned about security.

Capt. Mike Brem runs the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Substation in Washington Township. He said: “We have 26 confirmed cases. We took our last report yesterday.

Deputies opened an investigation and worked closely with postal service inspectors after a postman was surprised by two men and had his keys stolen.

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The Paragon Road branch is where several customers have reported theft of invoices they have sent in the post.

Crimes turn into a nightmare for the victims and the destinations and amounts of the checks are changed.

“Whether you suspend your account, your debit and credit cards are not working. It’s a big deal for the individual,” Brem said.

Many customers head inside, but those with mobility issues hate losing the convenience of the exterior drop boxes. One man said he doesn’t think the Postal Service is doing all it can.

Several local law enforcement agencies work with postal inspectors who do not comment but said they are looking at all avenues for the protection and convenience of customers. However, until arrests are made or procedures are changed, “we encourage people to come inside to drop off mail and not to drop off at the outside boxes,” Brem said.

It is a federal crime to tamper with any US Postal Service property or mail. The charges in this case would likely be felonies carrying heavy federal prison sentences if anyone is arrested or convicted.

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