Suspected Mail Thieves Arrested In Palos Verdes Estates

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department arrested two men on suspicion of mail theft after officers said they caught the suspects attempting to steal personal checks from drop boxes.

According to PVEPD, Corporal Aguayo was near the United States Postal Service drop box on Via Tejon on Feb. 24 when he saw a car parked illegally in front of the box.

"Corporal Aguayo contacted two male occupants inside the vehicle and immediately realized they were up to no good," PVEPD said in a statement.

When Corporal Aguayo inspected the vehicle, he said he found adhesive material and rat traps, which can be used to steal checks from drop boxes. This type of mail theft is often referred to as "fishing," PVEPD said.

After further investigation, the men were found to be in possession of stolen checks and authorities said they admitted to fishing the checks from mailboxes.

Both men were taken into custody and booked at the PVEPD jail, police said.