A rash of mail thefts have occurred on Whidbey Island in recent weeks, according to the Island County Sheriff’s Office.

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown warned that thefts are being reported island-wide, but are concentrated on the south end of the island.

The thieves may be targeting specific mail, he said.

“It is likely that the thieves are looking for ways to steal your identity and/or alter checks that are sent to you through the mail system,” wrote Brown in an email alert.

Brown said island residents should check their mail as soon as possible after normal delivery time, particularly if they    are expecting letters or packages of value.

Mailboxes that lock are another option, as is obtaining a post office box.

“Please keep in mind that it is statistically safer to receive monthly or bi-monthly checks ‘electronically’ than it would be through the mail system,” Brown said.

Brown asked that any suspicious activity around mailboxes be reported by calling 911.