City of Appleton Sees Increase in Mail Theft

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — The City of Appleton has been seeing an increase in mail theft.

Appleton Police Chief, Polly Olson, says it’s important to not put your outgoing mail in the box too early; and collect your mail right after it’s delivered. Mail thefts cause more problems when there’s money or checks involved.

“Those checks can be manipulated and washed, and used in such a way that fraudulent checks can be created and then cashed from people’s accounts.” said Chief Olson.

Joining a neighborhood watch group can help; the police department hosts training twice a year for neighborhood watch captains.

Since the start of 2023, Appleton has seen 35 cases of mail theft.