By Sam Britt
(PHILADELPHIA) A group of men was arrested on Tuesday for multiple instances of mail theft in several counties, including Philadelphia County, according to FOX 29.
The men were arrested in Delaware County on Tuesday during a traffic stop. Officers were able to identify them because their car’s license plate had been caught on camera during one of their mailbox thefts.
The group had been stealing mail, searching through envelopes for checks and then using antifreeze and a toothbrush to scrub the information off. The suspects then used the blank checks and wrote in amounts as large as $7,000.
The investigation began in February when somebody reported that their mortgage check was fraudulently cashed. Then several more instances of check fraud were reported.
Police believe that the group may have stolen keys from a postal employee in order to gain access to the mailboxes.
The group flaunted their newfound wealth on Instagram and brought other people into their scheme. Police estimate that the group was able to steal $125,000.
During the arrest, police officers found 59 stolen checks and 19 debit cards in one of the suspect’s shoes.
Prosecutors have not announced charges at this time.