Dec 16, 2015 2 min read

McMURRAY – It was a scene that could have been part of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Peters Township police said a thief, who they believe used a key, opened the large, blue mail collection box that sits in front of the McMurray branch of the U.S. Postal Service at Donaldson’s Crossroads shopping center early Wednesday and took the push cart containing mail waiting to be processed. The push cart, a wooden platform with a wire frame and canvas siding is valued at $200 and is about 30 years old, police said.

There were no visible signs the box was forcibly broken into. The incident was reported to police around 9:30 a.m., police said.

Police do not know how much, or the value of the mail stolen. But this theft came two days after the busiest mailing day of the year, which was Monday. It is estimated more than 612 million pieces of mail were posted that day.

The theft remains under investigation. Police said they expect the postal service to become involved in the investigation.

To protect mail against thieves, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service suggests using the mail slots inside the post office, or handing mail directly to the letter carrier. If a check, or other piece of valuable mail is not delivered in a timely fashion, then contact the issuing agency. Also, report all suspected mail theft to the postal inspector.