Amarillo Police investigating stolen mail from several U.S. Post Offices

Many people are still dropping off their Christmas letters in the mail, but there's something you might want to do to make sure they do not end up in the wrong hands.

Amarillo police are investigating several reports of stolen mail from at least 11 collection boxes in Amarillo.

Postal inspectors are working with police to find out whomever is responsible for breaking into the mail boxes outside various locations, taking mail out, and damaging the mail collection units.

"Yesterday I was contacted by postal inspectors who are already working on it as well as at least two of our detectives from the theft squad and white collar squad," said Sergeant Brent Barbee with the Amarillo Police Department.

We spoke with a postal inspector today who says because holidays are a busy time, thieves might be looking to steal cash, gift cards, or personal information from a bank check-but if caught will pay the price.

The U-S mail remains one of the most secure means of transmitting personal information so we have a federal statute that actually protects the mail and punish those who want to steal it or receive stolen mail as well. They can face up to 5 years and a fine up to $250,000  for the offense," said Postal Inspector Leslie McClain.

Most of the boxes are left out and not attached to a post office, which could leave your Christmas letters open to the wrong hands.

"It can ruin a lot of people's Christmas," said McClain

One rule officials recommend is not sending cash through the mail and to drop off mail before the last pick up time.

"If they deposit it after that time, the mail just sits there in the collection box so we try to tell customers know that hey if it's after that time if there's a 24 hour lobby area they can go inside the post office and drop it in the outgoing mail slot," said McClain.

If you have any information about these crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 374-4400.

List of Collection Boxes Affected:

Plains and Avondale

1220 South Georgia

3510 NE 24th

1000 South Polk

15th and South Tyler

Medical Drive

4111 South Georgia.