The Rye Police Department is alerting residents to a recent surge in mail fishing after surveillance video captured a suspect tampering with a mailbox on Purdy Avenue. The footage, recorded on September 10, shows an individual sprinting away from the mailbox outside the post office and climbing into a waiting BMW, which then fled the scene.

Police response and ongoing investigation

An officer who observed the suspicious activity initiated a pursuit, but the chase was called off when the suspect’s vehicle escaped. Police have not released the driver’s identity, but they are reviewing the video for additional clues and have asked anyone with information to contact the department.

Officials say this incident is part of a broader pattern of mailbox tampering in Rye. In 2024, surveillance captured multiple thefts at various collection boxes, including a method where thieves inserted glue‑covered mouse traps through supposedly tamper‑proof openings to pull mail from inside the boxes.

Recent incidents and evidence

The Purdy Avenue mailbox was reported tampered with again on September 16, and sticky residue was found at four locations citywide. Police stress that the residue is a key piece of forensic evidence that could help identify the perpetrators.

While some residents continue to use outdoor mailboxes, many are changing their habits out of concern for safety. “I go in, and I put it in the little slot, and it goes directly to the people who are going to send out the mail,” said Rye resident Judy Corda. “I’m afraid to put it in the mailbox.”

Another resident, Jodi Rothman, admitted she had been reluctant to change her routine: “I will be honest. Before I got up here, I thought about whether I should do it or not, but it’s done,” she said, acknowledging the risk.

Safety recommendations

Police are urging residents to take the following precautions:

• Do not place checks, money orders, or other sensitive documents in outdoor mail collection boxes.
• Consider using a secure, locked mailbox or delivering important items directly to the post office.
• Report any suspicious activity near mailboxes to the Rye Police Department immediately.

The department will continue to monitor mailbox locations and increase patrols in areas where tampering has been documented. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and work together to protect their personal correspondence.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.