Reading Police Warn Of Uptick In Mailbox 'Fishing' Thefts

READING, MA — Police in Reading are reporting an increase in mailbox "fishing" thefts from USPS curbside mailboxes.

This is not the first time such thefts have occurred in Reading, but police say they continue despite several arrests over the past year.

Residents should take the following steps to protect their mail:

• Deposit all outgoing mail at your local post office inside during business hours, or hand it to a uniformed USPS letter carrier.
• Deposit your outgoing mail in a blue USPS collection box prior to the last pickup time of the day.
• If you do not receive a check, credit card, or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and inquire about it. Never send cash through the mail.
• When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation for the intended recipient.
• Do not leave mail or packages next to a collection box if it is full, or if your package does not fit.