Thieves Target Outgoing Mail in Widespread Break-ins

A series of break-ins targeting centralized mailbox locations has been confirmed across Century Village East, with village sources saying outgoing mail has been stolen from an estimated 20 buildings throughout the community.

Each residential building in Century Village East contains a central mailbox area, which includes a secured compartment for outgoing mail awaiting pickup by the U.S. Postal Service. According to law enforcement officials, someone has been prying open those outgoing mail compartments and removing the contents.

The Broward Sheriff's Office has confirmed the incidents and says the matter remains under active investigation. The case is also being reviewed by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the federal agency responsible for investigating mail theft.

Sources within the village who have spoken with the CVE Reporter say the thefts have occurred across multiple sections of the community. In response, some buildings have already begun taking additional security measures, including upgrading locks and reinforcing the outgoing mail compartments within their mailbox panels.

Investigators have indicated that, at this time, there are no suspects and no confirmed leads.

Mail theft is treated seriously by law enforcement because outgoing mail can contain checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, or other sensitive materials. When outgoing mail is stolen, it can expose residents to risks including financial fraud or identity theft if documents are altered or misused.

In response to inquiries from the CVE Reporter, officials from the clubhouse say residents can bring any outgoing mail to a secure outgoing mail slot located next to the ticket office. Residents who have sensitive mail, including checks or other items they are concerned about, may bring their outgoing mail directly to the clubhouse and deposit it there rather than using building mailrooms.

The CVE Reporter also contacted CVE Master Management, and officials there say a second secure option is available at the mail kiosk located just outside the office door to CVE Master Management. That kiosk includes an outgoing mail slot and is in an area that is under 24-hour video surveillance.

Residents who believe their mail has been stolen or who observe signs of tampering are encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement as the investigation continues.