Rash of mail thefts reported in Johnson County neighborhoods
GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) – A rash of mail thefts were reported in the days just before Christmas in neighborhoods in the Center Grove school district as a thief targeted dozens of homes.
“Noticed there was a lot of mail everywhere along people’s yards, package being ripped, laying in people’s yards, noticed a big pile under some fir tree,” said mail carrier Cindy Ringham.
Ringham called police. Authorities said about 40 homes in White River Township in northwestern Johnson County were targeted.
“They weren’t opening the bills. They were opening up Christmas cards to get, probably, money and gift cards,” Ringham said.
Ringham has this advice to help prevent you from becoming the next victim.
“As soon as we go by, to go out and get their mail, or have a neighbor get the mail, or get the boxes that have a lock on them. Or they have mailboxes that open in the front and the mail drops to the back,” she said.
Mail theft is a bigger problem around Christmastime. Ringham said, and it’s been particularly bad this season.
“Probably because the packages are left at the doors and stuff like that. People ordering more online than what they’re used to. That’s why I think there’s more theft,” she said.
Mail theft is a federal offense.
Ringham has a message for the thieves, too.
“It’s sad. Those people, if they’re going to take time to do that, they could get a job and work,” Ringham said.
Authorities urged homeowners to review surveillance video from Saturday.
Anyone with information on the suspect or suspects was asked to call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Also, anyone who was expecting mail that they did not receive should call the police and make a report.
