Politics & Government

Mail Theives Hit Local USPS Blue Boxes

Thieves broke into several mailboxes in Pierce, Kitsap and Mason Counties and stole mail last week, including in Wauna and Lakebay.

The local U.S. Postal Service is learning that the mail isn't safe, even during the Christmas holiday season.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to catch the vandals who broke in and stole mail from at least eight Blue Collection Boxes, according to the flyer posted at one of the locations.

The mailboxes in Kitsap, Mason and Pierce Counties that were hit include:

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  • Southworth
  • South Colby
  • Burley
  • Manchester
  • Lakebay
  • Belfair
  • Grapeview
  • Wauna

Officials believe sometime between the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 14, and 8 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, an unknown suspect or suspects broke into the mail collection boxes at the U.S. Postal Service locations.

An employee at the Burley Post Office, just north of Purdy, told Patch that the thief used a crowbar-like tool to pry open the box and steal the mail inside. The next day, one of the workers found the white plastic bin that was inside the collection box on the side of the street.

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The worker said people should avoid dropping off items at the mailbox during after hours. They believe the thieves are targeting cash and gift cards that people are sending out during the holiday season.

If you have any tips or specific information related to this event, please contact Postal Inspector Jason Winsor at 206-442-6323 or ejwinsor@uspis.gov.

If you deposited checks or financial information in the mail and the recipient did not receive them, report this information under Consumer Awareness and click on Mail Theft at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/. You may also complete and submit a Mail Theft and Vandalism Report, PS Form 2016, inside the Post Office to send to the USPIS.


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