The Cheltenham Township Police Department (CTPD) wants to make residents aware of a recent crime pattern of  USPS Mail Collection Boxes. (similar those pictured below).

The CTPD said here have not been a great number of these thefts, but they want to   make everyone aware. In these instances, the victims place mail containing checks into the collection box, only to find out later that the check was intercepted, altered and cashed for much higher amounts.

Police  recommend that if you use one of these mail collection boxes, do not use them if the mail will sit in the box for an extending time before being picked up (overnights and weekends). You should also use the same caution with your home mailbox, raising the red flag lets everyone know there is mail in there. Lastly, if you are mailing checks, cash, or gift cards, you may be best served by using the collection box inside your local post office. If you happen to notice anyone suspicious tampering with a mailbox, or who looks like they may be watching, please notify  CTPD by calling 911.