Caught in action: Police in Monmouth County catch suspected thieves stealing mail out of drop box
If you've had trouble getting your mail in a couple of Monmouth County towns, there could be a good reason -- police say they picked up a pair of suspected thieves caught in the action. 
A brazen crime stealing mail right out of the drop box -- that's exactly what 
Atlantic Highlands police say mail has been stolen right out of the drop box over the last few weeks. Authorities received several complaints of mail not making it to their intended targets or the U.S. Postal Service. 
Ocean Township police say a neighbor saw the suspects acting suspiciously back on Jan. 9.  Arriving officers say they found Kaseem Kid, of Lyndhurst, and Ricky Javier, of Hackensack, with several pieces of mail inside their vehicle and a glue-like substance on them. 
Police found the same sticky substance inside the mailboxes where customers dropped the mail.  Police found mail from other municipal mailboxes, including Middletown and Atlantic Highlands. 
Javier has a history of similar crimes in Hackensack, Cliffside Park, and Fort Lee going back to 2017. In those cases, authorities say he was caught stealing mail and then depositing altered checks into third-party checking accounts. 
Both suspects now face numerous theft and burglary charges.  
Police believe the individuals did not act alone and are part of a larger ring. For now, they're suggesting you drop off mail in person at a counter or inside a post office.  
Anyone who used the Oakhurst location and noticed bills not getting paid should contact the Ocean Township Police Department.  

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