Topeka (WIBW) - Topeka Police are putting out an alert to monitor your mailbox.

TPD says it's received several reports of outgoing mail taken from mailboxes. They say, in some cases, the mail in question was a bill payment which included the victim's personal checks.

TPD says criminals can use a chemical to remove writing from checks and turn them blank, giving them a blank check to write as they please. In some cases, the checks have been used at casinos for thousands of dollars.

TPD suggests people take outgoing mail to a post office, rather than leaving it in their home mailbox. They also say retail stores sell ballpoint pens that are specifically made to prevent tampering or removal. They say dark colored ‘gel ink’ pens are considered the best for writing checks.

Additional tips from the U.S. Postal Service:
·Use the letter slots at your post office to mail letters, or give them to a letter carrier.
·Deposit mail in blue collection boxes before the last pick up time that appears on the schedule posted on each box.
·Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won't be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight.
·Don’t send cash in the mail.
·Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered.
·If you will be away from home for more than three days, ask the Post Office to hold your mail until you return. You can initiate a mail hold at the Post Office or online at USPS.com.

If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster or a Postal Inspector. Postal Inspectors may determine whether your problem is isolated or part of a larger mail theft problem in your neighborhood--and it may help them locate and apprehend the thieves. (also file a report with your local law enforcement agency)

This is the time of year in which tax refund checks will be coming, and mail thefts generally go up. Keeping alert and reporting unusual or suspicious activity may save you or a neighbor from a future theft.