Phoenix residents on edge after mail-related crimes [Video]

PHOENIX, AZ (AZFamily)— One Valley neighborhood is on edge after a mail theft spree. Neighbors and the United States Postal Inspection Service say someone has been rifling through mail recently and sometimes taking it in the middle of the night.

Some neighbors told Arizona’s Family they had important items stolen, like checks or medications. Mail theft is a serious felony crime. Those convicted could spend up to five years behind bars.

“A lot of mornings, they’re open,” said Donna Schmidt. Someone is messing with mailboxes in her neighborhood. “We don’t know who it is. I don’t think it’s kids,” she said.

The postal inspector and Scottsdale and Phoenix police are investigating a series of mail-related crimes in the area of 56th and 64th streets from Greenway to Thunderbird roads.

Lately, Schmidt has noticed mail scattered about front yards during her early morning walks before sunrise. “Not every day, but at least every …