Crime & Safety
Mail Theft Reported Throughout County
Police said thieves are taking checks from outgoing mail and cashing them.
Howard County Police are warning residents to be cautious with outgoing mail after dozens of reports of checks being stolen from mailboxes in the county.
Police said about 40 incidents have been reported since the beginning of the year, with an increase in recent months. In each case, someone searches for a mailbox with the red flag up, steals the mail, alters the checks and cashes the victim's checks, according to police.
Police have found outgoing mail thrown around neighborhoods, with checks removed, in some cases.
In response, police ask that residents go to a post office or use a blue collection box to send outgoing mail.
Police asked that if you believe your mail was stolen, report it to Howard County police at 410-313-2200 or contact Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 or https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
