U.S. Postal Service investigates reports of mail theft in Philly

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - U.S. Postal Inspector Alexander Sylvester says his office is investigating several complaints of thieves fishing mail out of a Society Hill collection box, then fraudulently cashing checks.

"We are working with major banks providing us with surveillance video, which we are reviewing at this time," Sylvester said.

Neighbors and local business owners have reported losses of several thousand dollars in the last few weeks.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says it modified a mailbox at 11th and Pine Streets after receiving the complaints.

Mail theft a federal crime that comes with a sentence of up to five years in prison. If you think you've been victimized, you can call the 24-hour Postal Inspection Hotline at 877-876-2455.