Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation into multiple cases of check theft from residential mailboxes, where stolen checks were subsequently forged and cashed by unknown perpetrators.

Sheriff Stitch Guillory is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect their mail, particularly when sending sensitive financial documents. "We are encouraging residents to take precautions," Guillory said, emphasizing the importance of using secure mailboxes and hand-delivering important items directly to the post office.

Of particular concern are property tax payments, as investigators have confirmed at least one case where a tax payment check was intercepted from a residential mailbox. The Sheriff's Office is advising residents who recently mailed tax payments to verify that their checks have cleared and payments are properly recorded.

To combat this growing security threat, authorities recommend using indoor post office drop boxes rather than residential mailboxes for outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive information. Residents can verify their property tax payment status by contacting the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Tax Office or checking their balance online through the parish's tax payment portal.

The investigation remains active, with no arrests made at this time. Anyone with information about these incidents or who discovers they have been victimized is encouraged to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-491-3605.