Checks are being stolen out of mailboxes and this area is a prime target, police warn

The Madison Police Department is alerting the public to a recent increase in check theft from residential mailboxes.

In a statement on Monday, the department identified the Balch Road area in Madison and Madison County as a hotspot.

“Thieves are quickly altering these checks and fraudulently cashing them before the victims realize anything is wrong,” the statement said.

To avoid becoming a victim, the police urge using other payment methods, such as online payments, pay-by-phone, or dropping mail directly at secure postal locations.

Officials also recommend against leaving uncollected letters in their mailboxes for long periods of time. People are also urged to track the status of incoming mail using Informed Delivery, which sends a daily email with info on mail and packages they are