Mail theft suspect, vehicle described. Be on guard as holidays near, police warn.

Police have released a suspect description and vehicle photo related to mail theft in Manteca this week.

A woman pried open a community mailbox on the 1000 block of Cabernet Lane in Manteca on Sunday morning.

She is described as being being 5-foot-6, 140 pounds, with long black hair in a ponytail. She ran to a gold, four-door, Chevrolet 1500 pickup with significant damage on both sides and no front license plate, police said.

The truck was driven by a man who was not described.

Anyone with information on the mail theft it urged to call the Manteca Police Department at 209-239-8401 or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service hot line at 877-876-2455.

On the city of Manteca's Facebook page, police reminded people to collect their mail every day. "Since the holiday season is approaching, criminals will be increasing their efforts to steal from mailboxes, vehicles and homes," the post read.

The Postal Inspection Service also offers tips on protecting mail from theft, including:

Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.

Don't send cash in the mail.

Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don't leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.

If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 9:03 AM with the headline "Mail theft suspect, vehicle described. Be on guard as holidays near, police warn.."