Up to 40 pieces of mail stolen in Hudson neighborhood, deputies say

HUDSON (FOX 13) - Someone has stolen nearly 40 pieces of mail in a Pasco County neighborhood, deputies say, and they hope to find the suspect.

Detectives released surveillance photos of the suspected thief, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. 

The homeowner put up a surveillance camera and told detectives he caught the man in the act on Wednesday.

But the thief seems to be targeting one mailbox. The man's neighbors say it doesn't appear their mail is missing, that they know of.

"If you're going to take my bills, please pay them!" neighbor Dave Phaneuf joked.

The unidentified man is seen in a white car, pulling items out of a mailbox in the 12700 block of Circle Lake Drive on March 28. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, offers the following advice to protect your mail from thieves:

- Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.

- If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

- If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

- Don’t send cash in the mail.

For additional information, head to the USPS website.