Santa Barbara Police say someone vandalized a United States Postal Service collection bin and stole nearly all of the mail inside.
The blue bin was located at 411 East Canon Perdido Street.
Police were alerted of the vandalism shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5. They say it was last emptied by Postal Service personnel on Monday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m.
Police are encouraging anyone who deposited mail in the bin during that time to take precautions to prevent identity theft or fraud. Anyone who deposited mail containing a check or other banking information should contact their financial institution as soon as possible.
Anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud as a result of this incident can make a report on the Santa Barbara Police Department's website. You mail also report mail theft to the post office by calling 1-877-876-2455 or visiting https://www.uspis.gov/.
The Postal Service reportedly plans to replace the collection bin with a new, more secure bin.
