April 21--Tulsa police detectives have uncovered a mail theft and identity theft operation that has more than 280 possible victims in Tulsa and Pittsburg Counties, police said Thursday.
Detectives have been sifting through bags of stolen mail for two weeks and notifying victims, Tulsa police Detective Cheryl Compton said.
In the investigation, police have found counterfeit checks, counterfeit identification cards, titles to cars, insurance cards and other various stolen items, she said.
Compton said the suspects stole mail during burglaries with the intent of committing identity theft -- the current most popular complaint in the nation to the Federal Trade Commission, according to the organization.
"That's what they steal now ... mail to commit identity theft," Compton said.
Compton and Detective Don Wright began to share information on their respective cases involving stolen checks and a burglary of a senior citizen's home, police said.
Police said they have interviewed suspects in the investigation and have three possible arrests associated with the thefts.
When one suspect was contacted by police, she allegedly produced several bags containing the stolen mail, police reported.
Compton said a U.S. Postal Inspector has been involved in the investigation, and federal charges may be filed in the case.
Police have notified as many victims as they can, including victims from 54 police reports related to stolen items, Compton said.
"If you have not been notified, you are not a victim," Compton said.
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