State police at area barracks have issued a warning concerning mail thefts from rural type mailboxes.

Troopers said over the past several weeks there have been numerous rural residential mailboxes in the Stroudsburg, Saylorsburg and Brodheadsville delivery areas.

Individuals are approaching mailboxes in vehicles shortly after U.S. Postal Service carriers place mail into the boxes. They will remove all the mail contents from the box and keep items of value such as credit cards, gift cards or parcels containing merchandise. Unwanted mail is discarded along roadways in the area, sometimes several miles away from where the mail was delivered and stolen.

Anyone who might find discarded mail is urged to give it to their mail carrier.

Troopers gave some tips to protect mail from thieves:

• Pick up mail promptly after delivery, don’t leave mail in the mailbox overnight. If you expect credit cards, checks or other negotiable items, asked a trusted friend to pick up your mail.

• If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately. People can sign up for Informed Delivery at the U.S. Postal Service website, www.usps.com. Informed Delivery provides a digital preview of household incoming mail scheduled to arrive soon.

• If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

• Don’t send cash in the mail.

• Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return. Most delivery points can request a mail hold via the U.S. Postal Service website.

• Consult with you local postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.

Report anything you feel is suspicious by contact 911 or your local police or state police. People can also contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.