WESTPORT–Someone stole mail from the mailboxes of homes around Westport’s south side Monday night, tossing the letters and packages after searching them for valuables, police said yesterday.

Letters and packages, some open, have been recovered in Hillspoint Road, Prospect Road, Greens Farms Road and the Compo Beach area, police said.

“Officers are working to notify those affected; however, it is apparent that there are numerous victims,” police spokesman Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso said in an announcement. He said it is likely that the thief or thieves sorted through the items, removing any checks, credit cards or other items of value.

Police are investigating the matter.

Mail and package theft can occur when deliveries are left unattended or mail remains in unsecured locations for extended periods, police said. 

The department offered these tips to prevent mail theft:

• Retrieve mail and packages as soon as possible after delivery.
• Arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries when away from home.
• Use secure delivery locations, parcel lockers or signature confirmation when available.
• Sign up for delivery notifications and track expected packages.
• Hand-deliver any outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive  information directly to a United States Postal Service facility.
• Arrange for a mail hold when traveling.
• Consider security cameras or video doorbells to help monitor delivery areas.
• Report suspicious activity around mailboxes, mailrooms, and residential properties.

Residents who believe a letter or package has been stolen should report the theft and be prepared to provide any available tracking information, delivery confirmations, photographs, or video footage, police said.

Residents should also notify the delivery carrier or postal service and contact the sender or retailer regarding missing shipments, police said.

“Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce opportunities for mail and package theft,” Prezioso said. “Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, secure their deliveries, and report suspicious activity to police.”

Anyone with information about the mail thefts is encouraged to contact the Westport Police Department at (203) 341-6000.