Bedford Police Investigating Early Morning Theft from Post Office Mailbox, Seeking Public Assistance

A Bedford officer observed an individual get out of a Jeep early Monday morning, open a post office box from behind the Bedford Post office, and remove mail from it before jumping back into the Jeep. The suspect is still at large. Staff Photo

Submitted by the Bedford Police Department:

Chief John Fisher warns the community that mail was stolen early Monday morning from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox in the rear of the Bedford Post Office.

On Monday, March 18, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Bedford Police Officer was parked at the Bedford Market Place facing the rear of the Post Office at 158 Great Rd. when the officer noticed a maroon, newer model Jeep Cherokee pull up to the blue Postal Service mailbox behind the post office.

The officer observed an individual get out of the Jeep, open the mailbox, and remove mail from it before jumping back into the Jeep.

The officer pursued the Jeep down Great Road and onto Interstate 95. Police ended the pursuit due to safety concerns because the Jeep was being driven erratically.

A surveillance image showing a maroon, newer model Jeep Cherokee that was involved in the theft of mail from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox early Monday morning. Photo Courtesy of the Bedford Police Department

Police later confirmed that the Postal Service mailbox had been opened and that mail was removed.

A review of surveillance footage from the area located only a grainy photograph of the Jeep Cherokee. Police were not able to obtain a license plate number.

Bedford Police continue to investigate this incident with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security.

Bedford Police ask anyone with information on this incident, or anyone who believes they recognize the vehicle involved, to call Bedford Police at 781-275-1212.

*The mailbox in front of the Bedford Post Office* appears to be open, though the Bedford Police Department recommends depositing mail inside a post office. Staff Photo

“We want to warn anyone who may have deposited a check or other mail in the box behind the post office last night (Sunday) that this incident occurred,” said Chief Fisher. “Mail theft and checking washing are becoming increasingly common, and all residents should consider delivering their mail only by hand to the U.S. Post Office, or dropping their mail off prior to the final nightly pickup time for blue Postal Service mailboxes.”

Additionally, the Bedford Police Department wishes to offer the following tips from the United States Postal Inspection Service to help prevent mail theft and protect your personal information:

Deposit all outgoing mail inside your local post office or hand it to a uniformed USPS letter carrier.
Avoid putting outgoing mail into mailboxes overnight as the raised flag signals to a thief that there is outgoing mail within the mailbox.
Deposit your outgoing mail in a blue USPS collection box prior to the last pickup time of the day.
If you do not receive a check, credit card, or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and inquire about it. Never send cash through the mail.
When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation for the intended recipient.
Do not leave mail or packages next to a collection box if it is full, or if your package does not fit.

Editor’s note: As of late Monday afternoon, Bedford Police say there is no further information on the incident and search for the suspect.