Woodbridge police say there has been an increase in mail thefts in town.

Police say thieves are stealing checks from residential mailboxes and Postal Service boxes.

The stolen checks are altered and then cashed, according to authorities.

Police recommend that people not leave any outgoing mail with the red flag raised in their mailboxes. They also say to mail business and personal checks inside of a post office and retrieve one's mail as soon as possible.

They suggested people use ink to write out checks and monitor banking activity for any fraudulent transactions.

Residents are encouraged to report anything they deem suspicious to police.

Police are working with the United States Postal Inspector's Office to investigate.