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Central California Mailbox Thefts Prompt Crackdown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a surge in thefts from mailboxes across the Central Valley of California last year victimized more than 2,100 people and sparked a federal crackdown that has led to charges against at least 27 people.

Prosecutors said the perpetrators were seeking checks, credit cards, personal identifying information and prescription drugs delivered by mail.

U.S. Attorney Ben Wagner said Wednesday that postal investigators and local law enforcement targeted rings that were responsible for the bulk mail thefts, particularly in the Sacramento, Fresno and Bakersfield areas.

The thieves pried open boxes inside post office lobbies and multiple-slot postal lock boxes in many neighborhoods. They also broke into postal delivery trucks, in part so they could counterfeit postal-box keys.

More than a dozen investigators were brought in from around the country to track the thieves.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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