2 held for mail theft from Clovis boxes

Police got a call from a resident near Gibson and McKelvy avenues about 6:30 a.m. who saw two men in dark jackets near the community mailboxes.

A second call to police dispatchers said they had moved to Stuart and Mc-Kelvy avenues, where officers arrested them.

A search of their car revealed mail in the back seat that did not belong to them. Officers also found marijuana, burglary tools, river rocks and other items.

Clovis police arrested them on suspicion of possession of stolen property. One of the men also was arrested for a previous residential burglary.

Police suspect the two men, who live in the neighborhood, were looking for money in the stolen letters and cards.

Clovis police detectives worked with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors may seek federal prosecution. Damage from the vandalism to the community mailboxes is in the thousands of dollars.

To report mail theft, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (877) 876-2455 or postalinspectors.uspis.gov.

By Marc Benjamin