LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- The La Vergne Police Department issued a warning to community members after launching an investigation into a recent rise in thefts from residential mailboxes.

According to authorities, individuals have been searching mailboxes for checks or anything of monetary value.

"When they get the checks, they'll wash them or alter them," Detective Nicholas Liedtke explained. "At that point, they can change the amount on them and they'll put them in their name or a name of a fake ID that they have."

Victims reported the thefts after businesses that were supposed to receive checks from the victims notified them about unpaid bills.

"We understand how frustrating and disruptive this can be. Our detectives are actively working on these cases and have already identified potential suspects. Please know that we are taking this matter seriously and are using all available resources to bring those responsible to justice," the department posted on Facebook on Tuesday, May 27. "We want to thank our vigilant residents who have reported suspicious activity and provided helpful information. Your involvement continues to make a real difference."

La Vergne law enforcement could not comment on any suspects since this is an ongoing investigation.

Police advise against mailing checks, gift cards, or anything valuable or sensitive from home for the time being. Instead, community members are encouraged to submit payments online, visit the post office directly, or hand-deliver important payments to trusted businesses.

For more tips on how to protect your mail, follow this link.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/police-report-increase-in-thefts-from-la-vergne-mailboxes/