Four arrested for mail theft

Deputies from the sheriff’s Ramona station arrested four people in connection with mail theft after they were observed emptying mailboxes near the 15000 block of Rainbird Road in San Diego County Estates.

According to the report, during the night of June 2 a witness saw a man approach a bank of 50-plus mailboxes and empty the contents into a plastic shopping basket. The suspect was then seen leaving in a dark-colored Volvo sedan, heading into the four corners area, said the report.

After receiving the call, deputies waited on Rainbird Road, knowing the suspects had no other way out, and stopped the Volvo when it passed. When they approached the vehicle, occupied by two male and two female adults, they saw a plastic shopping basket full of mail in plain view, reported the sheriff’s station. Deputies also found the Volvo was a reported stolen vehicle from the City of San Diego.

Arrested on suspicion of mail theft, criminal conspiracy and possession of stolen property were: Cesar Woods, 44; Shawna Fields, 40; Deshon Jones, 31; and Dainette Woods, 22. All were San Diego residents except Jones, who was listed as homeless, stated the report. They were booked into custody at the Vista Detention Facility.

Mail theft is a constant problem in rural areas, especially where there are rows of mailboxes, said Lt. Jerry Hartman of the sheriff’s Ramona station. Thefts usually occur at night with people looking for large amounts of mail, trying to find checks or credit card information, he said.

Hartman said residents should not put outgoing bills with credit card information or checks in their mailbox, but take them directly to a post office.

“I know it’s not convenient, but it will limit your potential for being a victim. And pick up your mail every day,” he said.