Crowbar, other burglary tools at community mailbox, Turlock police report; 2 arrested
Turlock police arrested two men at the scene of a suspected break-in attempt on a community mailbox Sunday.
Officers responded at about 5:20 p.m. to the area of Park Street and North Soderquist Road, two blocks north of West Main Street.
They found a crowbar on top of the mailbox and other burglary tools in the suspects’ car, a news release from the Turlock Police Department said.
The evidence included shaved keys, glass-breaking tools, lock picks, a saw, wire cutters, wire strippers and a bag of suspected methamphetamine, the release said.
Both of the suspects are Turlock residents. William Haney, 30, is charged with vandalism to a mailbox resulting in more than $400 in damage, possession of burglary tools, and possession of a controlled substance.
Edwin Lopez, 27, is accused of possession of burglary tools and providing false identification. He also had outstanding felony warrants, police said.
The release said Haney claimed to be retrieving his own mail, but neither he nor Lopez live in that part of Turlock. No theft was reported at the mailbox.
Police urged caution by any residents who use community mailboxes, which serve multiple addresses at a single site.
“Identity theft and fraud is a crime that no one wants to be a victim of,” the release said. “If you receive your mail from a community mailbox, remember to retrieve your mail daily. If you’re going to be out of town for several days and are unable to have someone pick up your mail, contact the post office to hold your mail until your return.”
Mailbox theft or vandalism can be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspector at 877-876-2455.
This story was originally published August 3, 2021 at 11:33 AM.
