Larimer County Sheriff's Office investigating mail thefts in Bellvue, Rist and Poudre Canyon

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating mail thefts that occurred recently near Bellvue, including neighborhoods in Rist Canyon and Poudre Canyon.

Several victims have reported checks and credit cards stolen from their delivered mail that were subsequently used fraudulently in various locations throughout Colorado. Sheriff’s investigators are working with the U.S. Postal Inspector on the investigation.

One business that has experienced mail theft is Canyon Utilities, a trash and recycling business in Poudre Canyon. Residents who have recently sent payments to Canyon Utilities are asked to check that those payments were received.

Anyone with information about these mail thefts is asked to call Investigator Ben Hess at 970-498-5170 or Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office recommends residents limit the amount of personal and financial data placed into unsecure mailboxes in the rural areas.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service provides these tips to protect your mail from thieves:
• Never send cash or coins in the mail. Use checks or money orders.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won’t be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
• Have your local post office hold your mail while you’re on vacation, or absent from your home for a long period of time.
• If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
• Always deposit your mail in a mail slot at your local post office, or hand it to your letter carrier.
• Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes). If you observe a mail thief at work, call the local police immediately, and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.