Report: Inspectors investigating thefts from blue USPS boxes south of Denver

DENVER – Postal Service officials say a watchful eye and some common sense can keep you from falling victim to mail thieves.

Postal inspectors are investigating recent cases in which thieves stole mail out of official blue USPS drop boxes in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, KKTV reports.

Denver Postal Inspector Eric Manuel said such thefts aren’t very common and blue drop boxes are still a safe way to send mail. Manuel said there haven’t been any recent reports of similar thefts in Denver.

Manuel said it can be easy to spot when a drop box has been tampered with. If you attempt to drop your mail in a box and notice that other pieces of mail are jammed or not making it down the chute, don’t put your mail in, Manuel said. Take it into a post office and let them know about the issue.

Additionally, anyone with concerns about the security of a mail box can take their mail to any post office or hand it directly to their mail carrier.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has more tips for avoiding mail and identity theft on Facebook and Twitter.

The penalty for stealing mail is up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.