Mail collection box stolen in Monterey Park; $10,000 reward offered

MONTEREY PARK -- Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to those responsible for the theft of a mail collection box late Tuesday from the Monterey Park Post Office.

The blue collection box was stolen from the post office, 245 W. Temple Ave., sometime after the day's last collection at 7 p.m., U.S. Postal Inspection Service officials said in a written statement.

"Postal inspectors encourage customers who deposited mail after the last collection, Tuesday, June 28, at 7 p.m., to submit a Mail Theft and Vandalism Complaint either at their local Post Office, online at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or by calling 877-876-2455 (and selecting) option three."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455, select option two and refer to Case No. 1752437. Callers may remain anonymous.

"Mail theft is a federal crime, and offenders may be imprisoned up to five years, be fined, or both," according to the statement. "Postal inspectors suggest depositing mail prior to last collection time posted on the collection box."