Investigators from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the United States Postal Service are warning residents about a crime spree that occurred sometime during the weekend of December 15, 2007. During that time frame, unidentified suspect(s) stole mail from at least 140 mailboxes in the mountain communities of Morrison, Evergreen, Conifer and Pine Junction. The incident was reported to the authorities after several residents found piles of discarded mail along the roadways near Evergreen. Although many victims have been notified, investigators are concerned that some victims may not know that their mailboxes were targeted. The added concern is that mail theft often times leads to crimes involving identity theft. Although the authorities are attempting to notify each victim, investigators recommend that residents in the affected areas consider initiating a credit file security freeze in order to limit the potential for identity theft. Here are the suggested steps to follow:

1. Write a letter requesting a credit freeze that includes the following information:

a. Full name, include middle initial and generation, such as Jr., Sr., III;

b. Social security number and date of birth;

c. Current address and previous address for the last two years;

d. Copy of a government issued ID, such as a driver's license or military ID;

e. Copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement that displays your name, current mailing address and date of issue (statement must be recent).

2. Send the request by certified mail to all three of the major consumer credit reporting agencies:

Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348

Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834

Anyone with information concerning the mail thefts is urged to call the Sheriff's Office tipline at 303-271-5612.

Jacki Kelley is the public information director for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.