Emporia Police officers have been investigating reports of fraudulent business checks at local banks for at least two months.
Police Capt. Lisa Hayes says officers have received multiple reports of fraudulent checks being passed or attempted since September. Hayes says officers believe suspects are stealing mail from local business mailboxes during overnight hours, with at least two separate groups from other states traveling across Kansas and stealing mail as they go.
Officers believe suspects are using information from the stolen mail to develop fake business checks. The groups may well still be active, coming to Emporia at random times.
Hayes encourages businesses and private citizens to empty their mailboxes daily and to keep vehicles, houses and buildings locked. If you believe you have been victimized or if you have information, call the Lyon County Emergency Communications non-emergency number at 620-343-4225.
