RUSK COUNTY (KYTX) -- People all over Rusk County are missing important pieces of mail. Some of them have even fallen victim to identity theft.
Countywide, there are between 35 and 40 people who have fallen victim to mail thieves in the last several weeks. Investigators say whoever's responsible is just walking up in broad daylight and stealing whatever they want."
Riley Brown was at his mailbox one day when his mail carrier told him about the thefts.
"Yeah, she said that there hadn't been a lot of problems but there had been a few around," he said.
"We've had some identity theft cases where people actually know that's how they got it and then people will put their mail out and they'll see the red flag up and then they'll look back and know the mail man hasn't run and they'll look and see that the flag is down and they'll check and the mail is gone," Sgt. Viki Penny with the Rusk County Sheriff's Department said.
One of the things the sheriff's department says you can do is make sure people you're sending mail to know its coming. Have them do the same in reverse for you. That way if it gets lost or stolen you'll know sooner rather than later.
It's also a good idea to replace paper checks with direct deposit.
"Being gone a lot, I decided to go ahead and do that," Brown said. "So I have my checks, now, go directly to the bank."
There's been a rash of thefts along Highway 259, Highway 79, County Road 102 and County Road 2276.
"We should be neighborly watching over each other's surroundings," Brown said. "That helps a lot. I know my neighbors. But some people don't know their own neighbors."
There has been an arrest made in this case, but since that arrest there have been four more cases of mail theft. Investigators say the case remains open.
Whoever is stealing mail in Rusk County could face federal charges. If you have any information call the Rusk County Sheriff's Department at 903-657-3581.
