Checks, Other Mail Stolen From Carriers

At least 1,000 pieces of mail, probably including monthly Social Security checks, have been stolen from U.S. Postal Service Jeeps in four communities in the San Gabriel Valley, officials said Thursday.

Postal Inspector Jim Griffin said thieves forced open the rear doors of five Jeeps that had been parked and locked while postmen made walking loops to deliver mail in two neighborhoods in La Puente and in Rosemead, San Gabriel and Pasadena. Trays of mail were taken.

“It is almost certain that there were checks in there,” Griffin said.

The thefts took place within about a two-hour period Wednesday afternoon, raising the possibility that it was an organized effort similar to one in Los Angeles’ mid-Wilshire area in September and October, Griffin said. A half dozen suspects were arrested in the earlier case, he said.

While Wednesday’s thefts are being investigated, Griffin urged San Gabriel Valley residents to report anything suspicious about mail delivery in their neighborhoods to the Postal Inspection Service headquarters in Pasadena at (818) 405-1200.

Griffin suggested that those who fail to receive monthly Social Security or retirement checks should contact the issuing authority and fill out affidavits so that new checks can be issued.