The Newark Police Department is issuing a public advisory regarding several recent thefts of checks from outgoing mail. Over the last five weeks, the Newark Police Department has received multiple reports of checks being stolen from the United States Postal Service (USPS) outgoing mail after having been dropped off in various USPS mailboxes around the City of Newark. The suspects have taken the mailed checks, altered them, and then cashed them at various locations throughout the United States. The value of the checks cashed totals more than $50,000. The manner and method of the theft of the mail remain under investigation.
To avoid becoming a victim of mail theft, the Newark Police recommend that payments be made through electronic means (bank bill pay service, direct debit, etc) when possible. Additional tips to prevent theft through the mail can be found here.
The Newark Police are working with the United States Postal Inspection Service on this case. Any City of Newark resident who has been a victim of mail theft and has not reported the incident to police should contact Lt. Fred Nelson at [email protected] or 302-366-7100 ext. 3119.