Montgomery County Police are advising residents not to leave their outgoing mail in their mailbox, citing "a series of thefts."
Police say the thefts began in November of last year, but did not elaborate where in the county the thefts took place, or even say how many thefts were committed.
Investigators did say that the thefts occurred after residents put outgoing mail that contained checks to pay bills in their mailboxes. The suspects would then steal the mail, remove and alter the checks, then take them to area banks to be cashed.
Police are recommending that citizens drop outgoing mail at their local post office or in a public mailbox. Police are also asking residents not to use the "flag" on their mailbox to signal outgoing mail.
Police are also asking residents to report any suspicious situations, vehicles, or people by calling either 911 or the department's non-emergency line, (301) 279-8000.