Glen Ridge police bust large mailbox-theft ring

<p>Glen Ridge police have busted a large mailbox-theft ring allegedly responsible for stealing over $100,000.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 19, 2018, 2:35 AM

Updated 2,208 days ago

Share:

Glen Ridge police have busted a large mailbox-theft ring allegedly responsible for stealing over $100,000.
Police say that officers pulled over two men early Monday morning and found 24 letters containing checks worth $116,000. Officers say that the men have stolen letters from U.S. Postal Service mailboxes in several towns, including Glen Ridge, Bloomfield and Wayne.
“They found tools used commonly to go into these mailboxes and steal mail,” says Glen Ridge Police Capt. Sean Quinn. “Being that it was tax day, check amounts were higher than we normally see.”
Police would not provide many details about how the men allegedly broke into the mailboxes. But commonly ways include using shoelaces with sticky material attached to “fish” out letters. Some newer mailboxes have security measures to prevent that from happening, but they are not yet widespread.
Police say that five men are now facing charges related to the crimes and they expected to make another 10 arrests in the near-future.
The thefts have been reported in 13 townships throughout Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties.
Police say that any person who needs to mail anything of value should do so inside a post office or mail it when it is close to collection time.
The thieves are expected to face federal charges in addition to charges of theft from local police.


More from News 12
1:25
Delays and road closures expected for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Delays and road closures expected for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour

2:17
Steady rain, chilly Sunday in New York City; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday in New York City; warmer start to workweek

0:32
NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

1:48
FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

1:22
Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

2:06
Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

2:13
FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

2:00
Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

1:44
Inaugural ceremony held at Claremont Park for Rolando Paulino Little League teams

Inaugural ceremony held at Claremont Park for Rolando Paulino Little League teams

1:23
Paddlers take on Bronx River during ‘Amazing Bronx River Flotilla’

Paddlers take on Bronx River during ‘Amazing Bronx River Flotilla’

1:57
NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

2:14
Co-op City Little League kicks off the baseball season

Co-op City Little League kicks off the baseball season

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

2:05
New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

1:37
Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

1:22
Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

1:40
NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

1:53
Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

1:33
Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire