3 Mail Theft Suspects Arrested In Novato

NOVATO, CA — Alert neighbors helped officers nab three people who police believe stole mail addressed to dozens of Novato homes.

According to the police department, residents at the Bay Vista Apartments in Novato's Hamilton neighborhood called in an in-progress mail theft around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Officers headed to the scene, finding a vehicle that matched the description nearby, and made a traffic stop.

After detaining three people in the car, officers said two were carrying U.S. Postal Service mailbox keys. Police also recovered mail that was addressed to residents throughout the city. The three suspects were booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of numerous offenses, including mail theft, burglary, conspiracy, possession of identity theft material, drug violations, probation violations, and providing false identification to police.

Police identified the three people accused as:

The Novato Police Department continues to investigate the case with U.S. Postal Service inspectors and asks anyone who believes their mail was stolen to give them a call at 415-897-4361.

"Thank you to our community members who were looking out for their neighbors and contacted us while this crime was occurring," the department wrote Tuesday. "To help us prevent mail theft, be diligent about removing mail from your mailbox daily."