Mokena Post Office Mailbox Target Of Attempted Break-In: Police

MOKENA, IL — Postal officials removed an outdoor mailbox at the Mokena Post office following an attempted break-in Sunday of the mailbox, according to Mokena Police Department and post office officials.

The attempted break-in happened just after midnight Sunday, according to Mokena Interim Police Chief Brian Benton. A witness called Mokena PD to report that two men in a four-door vehicle were trying to pry open the mailbox, Benton said.

The men were gone by the time police arrived, Benton said. They did not get into the mailbox, Benton said.

The mailbox was removed Monday because of the damage caused during the attempted break-in, a Mokena Post Office official said.

A smaller express mailbox is still available for public use, the postal official said. That outdoor mailbox is labeled "Express" but can be used for any type of delivery. There are also mail slots located inside the Post Office, which can be accessed by the public 24/7, the postal official said.

It is unknown when the outdoor mailbox will be replaced, as there is currently a backlog with the U.S. Postal Service, the postal official said.

The Chicago Division Postal Inspection Service confirmed it was aware of the attempted break-in, and said it is investigating the incident.

A similar incident happened at the outdoor mailboxes in New Lenox Jan. 11. That incident resulted in a mail theft investigation by the Chicago Division Postal Inspection Service.

The Postal Inspection Service advises residents of the following tips regarding suspected mail theft:

• If you do not receive a check or other valuable mail, contact the issuing party as soon as possible.
• Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to have a better idea of what mail you can expect delivered to you each day.
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit profiles for any fraudulent activity, even if you are not a victim of mail theft. Early detection is so important! In that vein, consider credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax)