ALERT: Mailbox Thieves Targeting Maywood Post Office – Your Identity and Checks Are At Risk!

Urgent Warning Issued: Maywood Police Advise Residents to Drop Mail INSIDE Post Office After String of Thefts

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Maywood, NJ residents are being urged to change their mailing habits immediately following a brazen series of mail thefts directly targeting the outdoor collection box at the Maywood Post Office on West Pleasant Avenue.

Police Chief Terence Kenny confirmed that his department is actively investigating multiple incidents and has partnered with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to catch the organized criminals responsible for targeting local mail.

Timeline of the Maywood Mailbox Thefts

The series of crimes began in the early hours of late October, escalating into a pattern of organized attacks on the post office box:

1. October 27th (2:38 AM): Maywood police officers apprehended two men—an 18-year-old and a 22-year-old, both from the Bronx—actively attempting to steal mail from the box. Officers found stolen mail in their possession. The suspects faced serious charges including identity theft, money laundering, and possession of burglary tools.

2. November 14th (Morning): Just weeks later, another theft occurred. Multiple suspects used a specialized mailbox key to access the contents of the box, removing items within a mere 10 seconds.

3. November 18th (4:31 AM): A third, similar incident took place, with suspects again utilizing a key to illegally access the post office mailbox.

While initial arrests were made, police have not announced arrests for the subsequent November incidents, underscoring the ongoing nature of this localized crime wave.

The Real Threat: Check Washing and Identity Theft

According to the Maywood Police Department, these thefts are not random acts of petty crime; they are highly targeted operations designed to facilitate major financial fraud.

The suspects are specifically looking for checks. Once stolen, criminals engage in a process known as check washing, altering the payee name and dollar amount on the check so funds are diverted into their own accounts.

Chief Kenny explained the devastating impact on victims:

“The victims soon realize that the check they mailed did not reach its intended destination when their bank account is over drafted or their mortgage/utility bill for that month is never paid.”

Police also note a common tactic in these late-night/early-morning thefts involves using devices made from rat traps and string to “fish” mail out of the collection boxes—a pattern seen across Maywood and neighboring North Jersey towns.

⚠️ Critical Safety Warning for Maywood Residents

To protect your finances and prevent further thefts, the Maywood Police Department and USPIS strongly advise all residents to follow this crucial security measure:

• DO NOT use the outdoor collection box at the Maywood Post Office or any other outdoor box.

• DROP OFF ALL MAIL INSIDE THE POST OFFICE during business hours.

• If you notice suspicious activity near mailboxes, report it immediately.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Protect yourself from becoming the next victim of mail fraud and identity theft by heeding this urgent police advisory.

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