Brazos County duo accused of stealing mail & bank cards over the course of 2 years, US Postal Service responds

BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) - Officers with the College Station Police Department (CSPD) arrested two people Tuesday when authorities said stolen bank cards and hundreds of pieces of mail were found on the suspects.

After responding to a call about a suspicious car from a gas station employee, CSPD arrived to the Chevron on FM 158 to find Tarah Hill, 33, of Bryan and Cody Polanco, 24, of Katy asleep inside.

During a search of the vehicle officers reported finding hundreds of pieces of mail not belonging to neither Hill nor Polanco, 19 bank cards, marijuana and controlled substances, and more than $12,600 in cash.

After being arrested Hill admitted the couple stole mail for the last two years, by manufacturing their own keys and breaking into mailboxes.

Both were placed into custody of the Brazos County Jail, and both are facing multiple charges including Debit/ Credit Card Abuse and more. Hill is being held on bonds totaling $48,000, and Polanco is in facing bonds set at $59,000.

David Simmons with CSPD told KBTX this case highlights just how important it is to report suspicious behavior.

“Just call us, so that way we can go and check it out and make sure because, for instance, this right here stopped them from victimizing people,” Simmons said.

The following statement was shared with KBTX from the US Postal Inspection Service Houston Division regarding this incident:

Postal Inspectors are aware of this incident and will continue to assist College Station Police Department (CSPD) as needed.

Every day, the U.S. Postal Service safely delivers mail to more than 150 million addresses; mail that includes checks, money orders, credit cards and merchandise. While the U.S. Mail remains one of the most secure means to transmit such items, unfortunately, these items are also attractive to thieves. Postal Inspectors are diligently investigating these cases to identify and apprehend the responsible persons.

There are steps postal customers can take to minimize becoming a victim.

• Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox. You can significantly reduce the chance of being victimized by simply removing your mail from your mailbox every day.

• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won’t be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail.

• Don’t leave your mail unattended for extended periods. Have your Post Office hold your mail while you’re away. You can do this online at www.usps.com.

• When expecting a package delivery, track the shipment at www.usps.com. You can sign up for email and text alerts at www.myusps.com.

• If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

• Hand outgoing mail to your letter carrier, or mail it at the Post Office, an official blue USPS collection box on the street, or a secure receptacle at your place of business.

• If you have concerns about security in your neighborhood, consider installing a lockable mailbox or obtaining PO Box service from your local Post Office.

• Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes and residences.

If you believe your mail has been stolen, you should file a report with local police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by calling our hotline at (877) 876-2455 or visiting our website at www.uspis.gov/report.