Bergen County Town Warns Residents About Increase in Mail Thefts

Police advise residents to avoid placing outgoing mail with checks or sensitive documents in residential mailboxes.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:38am

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged mailbox lock, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of the mail theft issue.A damaged mailbox lock highlights the growing threat of mail theft in Bergen County, New Jersey.Maywood Today

Despite recent arrests of suspects accused of stealing mail or checks, a Bergen County town has warned residents about an uptick in mail thefts. The Saddle River police department advised residents to use secure collection boxes or drop mail directly at the Post Office, retrieve incoming mail promptly, and report any suspicious activity involving mailboxes or mail collection.

Why it matters

Mail theft is a growing problem in Bergen County, with several local police departments reporting incidents of checks being altered and cashed after being mailed from public post office boxes. This issue raises concerns about the security of the postal system and the potential for financial fraud and identity theft.

The details

The Saddle River police department sent a message to residents last week warning them about the increase in reported mail theft incidents in the area. They advised residents to avoid placing outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive documents in their residential mailboxes. Some thieves have been known to use tactics like dropping sticky rodent traps into public mailboxes to fish out mail or using stolen keys to access mailboxes.

  • Last week, the Saddle River police department sent a message to residents warning them about the increase in reported mail theft incidents.
  • In the last year, police departments in Fort Lee, Glen Rock, Maywood, and other Bergen County towns have reported similar issues with mail theft and check fraud.

The players

Saddle River Police Department

The local police department in Saddle River, New Jersey that issued the warning to residents about the increase in mail thefts.

Teaneck Police Department

The police department that recently arrested a 19-year-old man with 198 checks believed to be stolen, as well as a postal uniform.

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What they’re saying

“We have seen an increase in reported mail theft incidents in the area.”

— Saddle River Police Department

“Residents are encouraged to avoid placing outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive documents in their residential mailboxes.”

— Saddle River Police Department

What’s next

Police in the affected towns will continue to investigate the recent mail theft incidents and work to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.

The takeaway

This increase in mail theft highlights the ongoing need for improved security measures to protect the integrity of the postal system and prevent financial fraud and identity theft. Residents must be proactive in safeguarding their personal information and sensitive documents to avoid becoming victims of these crimes.