Thieves 'Fishing' For Mail Cause NYPD To Warn Against Sending Checks

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Upper West Siders are being urged to avoid mailing checks on the street after a spate of thefts. The NYPD issued the advice after a slew of mail fishing incidents in Washington Heights and Harlem. Recently, the postal service installed seven tamper-proof mailboxes uptown.

Thieves lower something covered in glue into the box and pull out whatever sticks to it, police said.

Flyers distributed by the NYPD's 24th Precinct, which covers the Upper West Side, warn residents of the risks.

Senders are advised to drop off their packages at the post office or to deposit them into mailboxes as close to the pick-up time as possible.

Photo via Shutterstock