The U.S. Postal Inspector is hoping its latest arrest will help warn residents about protecting their mail, especially items delivered to communal mailboxes.
The latest investigation comes out of Gilbert after several mailboxes in the Allen Ranch Subdivision were hit.
"You expect them to be safe," said Tracy Stocklingsky, whose mail was stolen, and who gets mail delivered to a community mailbox every day.
"You trust that your mail is going to be locked up and picked up, and you will get the things that you need," said Stocklingsky.
But Monday morning, all those import letters, cards and less important bills were cleaned of her mailbox.
"It's violating," said Stocklingsky.
She says several other mailboxes have also been broken into in the neighborhood.
The U.S. Postal Inspector tells ABC15 they are taking that concern seriously, and officials say they just made an arrest.
Shawn Torrez was busted in his Chandler home, and there was evidence inside linking him to several mailbox mail thefts.
Authorities say they hope this security breach will be a good reminder, especially during the holiday season.
"Pick up your mail every day. If you're out of town, have the postal service hold your mail so you won't become a victim."
