HYATTSVILLE, Md. — Homeowners in a Prince George's County neighborhood say their mailboxes are constantly being broken into and cleared out in the middle of the night.
The cluster mailbox units in the Arts District neighborhood in Hyattsville do not appear to be tampered with, which is why residents believe someone with a master key is opening the boxes and taking their mail.
Pete Sugg said the recent thefts are common conversation among his neighbors.
"Somebody broke in one day and stole a package from me with something inside valued at about $1,000," Sugg said.
The residents have taken to social media platforms to keep others in the neighborhood informed about what is going on.
Some neighbors, like Alicia Kollar, say they have created a system to help each other out.
"We are just conscious now that you can't leave anything out or that you're working late and you have to get someone to get your package," Kollar said.
Residents say they have noticed a trend in the thefts. The mailboxes that are getting hit by thieves are not monitored by surveillance cameras. One neighbor told WUSA9 that they have tried putting cameras near the units, but distance does not allow for the internet connection.
Sugg said he has contacted Hyattsville Police about the thefts and so have other neighbors.
"I made a report to police a month ago," he said. "I haven't heard anything. I don't know what they're doing to be honest with you."
The U.S. Postal Inspector says they are not only aware of the issue the area, but that they are investigating an increase in these types of thefts.
In a statement to WUSA9 a USPIS spokesperson said, "We are working through several leads with law enforcement partners in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. If anyone has any information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s), they are encouraged to contact us at 1-877-876-2455. Callers may remain anonymous, and a reward up to $100,000 may be offered."
The postal inspector urged anyone who believes they may be a victim of mail theft to call their local police department.
Neighbors say that the silver lining is that the theft has neighbors working together. They are constantly checking surveillance video to help investigators get to the bottom of who is taking their mail.