RYE, New York (WABC) — The Rye Police Department is warning residents about a recent increase in mail fishing after surveillance video captured a suspect tampering with a mailbox on Purdy Avenue.
Police said surveillance video from Sept. 10 shows someone running from the mailbox outside the post office on Purdy Avenue and getting into a BMW, which then drove away.
A police officer observed the suspicious activity, but the chase was called off, and the car got away.
Officials are advising residents not to place checks or other sensitive documents in outdoor mail collection boxes.
The warning comes as mailbox tampering remains a recurring problem in the city. In 2024, surveillance video captured thefts at multiple mailboxes in Rye, showing a person retrieving letters from collection boxes. Thieves have used glue-covered mouse traps inserted through supposedly tamperproof openings to pull mail from inside.
Police said the Purdy Avenue mailbox was tampered with again on Sept. 16. Sticky residue has been found at a total of four locations.
Some residents said they still use outdoor mailboxes despite the warnings.
“I will be honest. Before I got up here, I thought about whether I should do it or not, but it’s done,” said Rye resident Jodi Rothman.
Others said they have changed their habits because of the risk.
“I go in, and I put it in the little slot, and it goes directly to the people who are going to send out the mail,” said Rye resident Judy Corda. “I’m afraid to put it in the mailbox.”
———-
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.