String of mail thefts reported in Wayzata

Several incidents of mail theft were reported in Wayzata Wednesday, prompting police to issue a warning.

The residential mailboxes affected were in the eastern part of the city. The majority were on Bushaway Road and Central Avenue South, police said. Several of the mailboxes had been locked and were forced open.

Mail theft can lead to identity theft, credit and check fraud and other types of fraudulent crimes, with police recommending residents not send outgoing mail from personal mailboxes. 

The United States Postal Service offers a free, online informed delivery service that allows residents to see mail scheduled to arrive

 In the event of mail theft, victims can report it to local police and may also want to alert one of the three major credit bureaus. 

Note: Details provided in this story are based on the police's latest version of events, and may be subject to change.