Thousands of stolen packages and pieces of mail are making their way back to Santa Clara residents after detectives arrested a boyfriend-and-girlfriend team suspected of using stolen credit cards across the city, according to police. Many of the recovered items appear to be holiday gifts, and detectives say they have already returned or are in the process of returning them to their rightful owners.
According to the Santa Clara Police Department, detectives launched the investigation a few weeks ago after linking the pair to multiple fraudulent transactions. The department reports that the female suspect was arrested last Monday without incident, while the male suspect was taken into custody last Tuesday after a brief foot chase.
Officers say they found a large quantity of stolen mail and packages in the male suspect's vehicle, which appeared to have been taken from neighborhoods on Santa Clara's north side. Police added that both suspects were on probation and had active arrest warrants. Detectives say they collected and returned thousands of pieces of stolen mail to the United States Postal Service, and even personally hand-delivered some packages believed to be holiday gifts.
Detectives Reunite Thousands of Items With Owners
Investigators say they worked with postal staff to catalog the recovered items and reunite a large volume of mail with the United States Postal Service. When contact information was available, detectives went a step further and delivered some packages directly to recipients.
The United States Postal Service's Hold Mail service can pause deliveries for up to 30 days, a step authorities recommend when residents are traveling. City officials also point residents to the City of Santa Clara's online resources for guidance on reporting fraud or identity theft and understanding next steps.
How Neighbors Can Guard Holiday Deliveries
Mail and package theft tends to spike around the holidays, AARP notes, with thieves often zeroing in on gift cards, checks and other easy-to-resell items. Authorities recommend keeping an eye on delivery alerts, using signature-required delivery for high-value shipments, and asking a trusted neighbor or friend to grab packages if you know you will not be home.
How to Report Theft or Suspicious Activity
If you believe you were a victim of mail theft, the United States Postal Inspection Service operates an online "Report a Crime" portal and a hotline at 1-877-876-2455. The City of Santa Clara's online reporting system also outlines steps for filing complaints and offers resources for identity-theft victims. Santa Clara police are asking anyone with information related to these arrests to contact detectives directly.
Legal Notes
Stealing or possessing stolen mail is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1708 and can carry fines and prison time. Court guidance and instructions note that penalties for mail theft can include up to five years in prison. Any criminal charges and potential sentences in this case will be determined by prosecutors and the courts as the investigation continues.
