A rash of mail thefts has occurred on South Whidbey in recent weeks, the Island County Sheriff’s Office has announced.

According to an email alert sent out by Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, thefts have been reported island-wide, but have been concentrated on the South End. The thieves may be targeting specific mail, he warned.

“It is likely that the thieves are looking for ways to steal your identity and/or alter checks that are sent to you through the mail system,” wrote Brown, in the alert.

He added that residents should check their mail as soon as possible after normal delivery time, particularly if they are expecting letters or packages of value. Mailboxes that lock are another option, as is obtaining a post office box. “Please keep in mind that it is statistically safer to receive monthly or bi-monthly checks ‘electronically’ than it would be through the mail system,” Brown wrote.

The sheriff asked that any suspicious activity around mail boxes be reported by calling 911 immediately.