Since Monday, more than half a dozen Oviedo residents have reported mail stolen right from their mailboxes.
“I don’t even know what this world is coming to, you can't even put your mail out without getting your mail stolen and your identity stolen,” said resident Ivette Cardona.
Investigators said when people are putting the mail in their mailboxes and putting the red flag up for the mail carrier. That red flag is also becoming a tempting signal to thieves that mail containing personal information or even money is in the mailbox.
“It’s shocking. Typically this neighborhood is safe. We don’t usually have any problems like that around here,” said resident Ray Fisher.
Oviedo police said the mail was stolen from the Alafaya Woods, Big Oaks and Little Creek neighborhoods. Police said until they can catch the people responsible for the mail thefts, they recommend residents in the area to drop off any mail with money or personal information in secure mailboxes or take it directly to the post office.
“Just for my own safety and security I’d rather not send it out through my own mailbox,” said Fisher.
Cardona is now warning her neighbors about the thefts. She believes it’s not a coincidence it’s happening during tax season.
“They should really keep an eye out for their returns, because that’s what they’re looking for, is the checks coming from the IRS with their tax returns,” said Cardona.
If the thieves are caught, they will face federal charges. Police are urging anyone who thinks they may have had mail stolen to report it to police, as well as their local postmaster general.