Man arrested for mail theft, police caution residents

Michael Matter

Police arrested a Huntington Beach man on suspicion of mail theft and

now warn residents and businesses to be careful and quick with their

daily mail.

Huntington Beach Police say they have linked William Shelton, 24, to

at least three separate incidents in which a resident’s mail has been

taken.

Shelton was arrested at his home and was booked for possession of

stolen documents and attempted forgery.

Huntington Beach police say that on Feb. 28 Shelton attempted to cash

a stolen check at a Bank of America. When Shelton was arrested police

said they found 50 pieces of mail in his car. They believe he collected

the mail in an attempt to commit identity theft.

Huntington Beach Police officers strongly urge both residential and

business customers of the U.S. Postal Service to secure their incoming

mail as soon as it arrives each day. They are also recommending that if

someone cannot secure their own mail that they make specific arrangements

to have it done for them. They also suggest delivering outgoing mail to a

certified U.S. Post Office.

Mail thefts have been on the rise for the last several years, police

said. They warn that mail is often stolen in an effort to obtain valuable

personal information such as bank accounts and social security numbers,

that can then be used to commit an identity theft.