The Toms River Police and postal authorities are investigating a several cases of mail being stolen from the blue U.S. Postal Service curbside collection mailboxes, including those at the Post Office located on Water Street in downtown Toms River.

“Mailbox Fishing,” is when mail thieves root through mailed letters for checks that they can alter and fraudulently cash, police said. Police suggest that, if you’ve mailed checks or will mail checks, you monitor your bank accounts to make sure they reach their destination and were not altered. 

In light of the recent thefts, police encourage residents to consider using verified online bill payment services or money transfer options offered through banks. 

Local Postal Inspectors are working closely with the Toms River Police Department to investigate the recent mail thefts and identify the culprits. If you believe your mail was stolen in one of these incidents, please report it immediately by submitting an online complaint at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or calling us at 877-876-2455.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, recommends the following tips to protect your outgoing mail: 1) Deposit outgoing mail at your local Post Office or hand your mail to a uniformed letter carrier. 2) When using a blue collection box, be sure to deposit your mail before the last pickup time of the day. 3) Do your best not let your outgoing mail sit in a mailbox overnight. 

Anyone observing suspicious activity near Post Office locations areencouraged to call the Toms River Police at 732-349-0150.