BEDFORD, NH – Bedford Police Department is investigating several reports of mail theft that occurred overnight. Bedford Police believe these thefts took place in the overnight and early morning hours in neighborhoods in the western part of town, from Route 101 to New Boston Road to the Amherst town line.
At 6:54 a.m., on Dec. 20 a newer model white sedan with a fog light out was seen in the area of Perry and Rosewell Roads dumping mail out of the vehicle and onto the ground. This mail has been verified as stolen and was opened before being thrown on the ground.
Bedford Police are asking residents who live in these neighborhoods and have security cameras to check for footage and contact police with any helpful information.
“Unfortunately, during this time of year especially, we see thieves target people’s mail looking for money or anything of value,” Chief Bryfonski said. “Please, take the proper precautions to prevent becoming a victim of this type of crime and contact police immediately if you have seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.”
In order to deter mail and package thefts, Bedford Police are reminding residents of the following safety tips:
- Mail containing money or gifts should be delivered to the post office, and residents should collect mail from the mailbox as soon as possible after it has been delivered.
- Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
- Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
- Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
- Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
- Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
- Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
- Mail rooms in places such as apartment complexes: If you have a mail room where packages are left, contact management before you leave to arrange for a secure location on the property or in the mail room where they can securely store packages rather than being left in the public area.
If you have seen any suspicious vehicles in your neighborhood, or have had mail or packages stolen, please contact the Bedford Police Department at 603-472-5113.
