Exclusive | Scooter-riding grinches keep stealing from mailbox in NYC’s Greenwich Village, video shows

Mail theft has become a growing concern in Greenwich Village, with scooter-riding thieves caught on camera stealing letters from a local mailbox. The thefts have left residents frustrated and worried about the security of their mail.

The incidents were captured on surveillance footage, showing the thieves arriving on mopeds or scooters and rifling through the mailbox at University Place and East Ninth Street. The thefts have coincided with a series of fraudulent checks being cashed in the area, with one resident discovering that a $150 check had been altered to $1,950 and cashed.

Property resident manager Jay Miranda expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s not fair. People work hard for their money. The amount of mail they have taken is insane.” The thefts began in late August when tenants in his building noticed that checks sent through the mailbox had been fraudulently changed, resulting in financial losses.

Videos from outside the building show a pattern of thieves parking their scooters on the sidewalk in the early morning hours before reaching into the mailbox. Some thieves even wear delivery worker attire to blend in. Despite the videos being shared with the local US Postal Service postmaster, no action has been taken.

The NYPD has been investigating several check fraud cases in the area, with one incident occurring shortly after the first theft captured on video. Residents have reported that mailbox theft has been an ongoing issue for years, with some individuals avoiding using the mailbox altogether due to security concerns.

Local worker Isha Matko shared her experience of having her rent checks stolen from the mailbox in the past, emphasizing the need for the culprits to be caught. Other residents, like Todd Benedetto, have also fallen victim to mailbox theft, with one incident resulting in a $1,000 check being cashed without his consent.

As the holiday season approaches, residents are concerned about the safety of their mail, especially when sending gift cards and money to loved ones. Despite complaints from the community, representatives from the US Postal Service have not provided a response regarding the ongoing issue.

In conclusion, the recent spate of mailbox thefts in Greenwich Village highlights the need for increased security measures to protect residents’ mail. With thieves targeting mailboxes for fraudulent activities, it is crucial for authorities to take action and ensure the safety of the postal system.