Man caught on camera trying to break into post office boxes; in separate case, woman arrested for allegedly stealing mail

SEATTLE -- A would-be thief is caught on camera trying to break into post office boxes at the USPS site on 4th Avenue South.

The man, wearing a bright orange reflector vest, strolls into an area of post office boxes and tries to pry open several boxes.  This occurred Sept. 16 at about 7:20 p.m.

Postal inspectors believe this same man is responsible for two other breaks in at the same facility in June and August.  In one of the break-ins the thief did manage to steal some  checks.

Postal Inspector Jeremy Leder says the man is targeting items like checks.

"They're targeting things like checks, credit cards, small things of value, mainly they want checks that they can wash and cash at the bank," Leder said.

After the break-ins over the summer, the post office beefed up security and this is why they were able to get a good look at the suspect this time.

The post office is offering a reward of $5,000 for information that could lead to the suspect's arrest.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Police Department said officers arrested a woman early Monday morning after she was seen taking mail from north Seattle mailboxes.

Witnesses reported seeing a woman looking in mailboxes shortly after midnight in the 14000 block of Ashworth Avenue North. The 36-year-old suspect fled when officers arrived, but she was quickly apprehended, police said.

Police saw unopened mail sticking out of her handbag and the suspect admitted to pilfering the mail so she could sell it, police said.

Officers found 31 pieces of mail belonging to 12 different people.

The woman was arrested and booked into King County Jail for three counts of theft as well as various other charges and an outstanding warrant