'It Makes Me Sad’: OKC Neighborhood Search For Answers After Mailbox Thefts

Residents in an Oklahoma City neighborhood felt on edge after a series of thefts from their mailboxes.  

Nichole Heath and Regina Johnson say “Everybody watches out for everybody around here.” 

Johnson and Heath live in what they call a peaceful neighborhood but this month Heath noticed something that spoke volumes.   

Someone opened Heath’s mailbox. Heath and Johnson know someone is responsible for stealing their mail because the cameras outside their homes caught the person in action. 

“It’s alarming just to know that somebody can get into your mailbox,” Johnson said.  

Through the app Nextdoor, people in the Brookwood neighborhood near discovered something.

“This was bigger than just one or two people, every mailbox door was wide open. At least seventy. Maybe more,” said Heath.

Paul Ecker, U.S. Postal investigator said tips for this activity are critical to finding this person.   

“Sometimes we pursue those on our own, oftentimes will coordinate that with local police, said Ecker.

Ecker said, “Making sure the report is sent in. Second of all, continuing to check credit accounts, check their bank accounts. Let us know if there is fraudulent activity.”  

Federal law carries steep penalties for people who tamper with people’s mail. 

“Just stealing one piece of first-class mail can result in up to five years imprisonment and two-hundred fifty thousand dollars in fines,” Ecker said. 

Heath and Johnson have lost their sense of security and they hope their neighborhood of watchful eyes will close this case.   

“Let’s find out who’s doing this and get them off the streets,” Johnson said.  

Ecker said people can report mail tampering incidents by calling 877-876-2455.