Behind the Badge
Police arrested a woman Friday on suspicion of mail and identity theft after she tried to cash an allegedly forged money order.
Police were called to a check-cashing business in the 100 block of N. Raymond Ave. at 7 p.m when the woman – who had cashed fraudulent checks in the past – attempted to cash the money order, officials said.
“She had written her name over the intended payee,” said Sgt. Jeff Stuart.
Officers found seven pieces of allegedly stolen mail on her, including credit cards and bank statements belonging to five people.
Officers returned some of the stolen items and learned that the victims hadn’t realized their mail had been stolen, police said. Police also found a homemade key used to open apartment complex community mailboxes.
Stuart suggested that residents take the following precautions to protect themselves.
– Regularly check your bank and credit card statement
– Consider investing in fraud alerts services through a credit monitoring service
– Report any suspicious activity to police immediately
