Sticky substance seen on post office mailbox
A sticky substance was seen on the outside of a public mailbox in front of the La Jolla post office on Wall Street, leading some visitors to worry if it was being used for mail theft.
However, the U.S. Postal Service said it was believed to be “candy or gum or something else” and that there is no evidence that mail was stolen.
Nevertheless, USPS strategic communications manager David Rupert said that “if you see something like this on a box, please alert the local post office.”
Last year, a sticky substance was found on the inside of a Postal Service box on La Jolla Boulevard near the “Y” intersection with Ravina Street that was believed to be intended to help steal mail. Mail dropped into the slot would adhere to the substance and thieves could then reach in and take the mail and its contents.
It is a crime to vandalize or alter a blue USPS collection box, according to the Postal Inspection Service.
“Mail cannot be delivered to a damaged mailbox, and mailboxes cost money to replace, USPIS says. Plus, the mail inside … could be important documents, necessary medicine or priceless family treasures. … Those who are convicted of destruction of federal property could spend up to three years in jail and be fined up to $250,000.”
Those who see anything suspicious such as sticky substances can report it to 877-876-2455.
Police blotter
Further details were unavailable from San Diego police.
Oct. 8
• Felony grand theft: 5600 block La Jolla Boulevard, 3:18 a.m.
Oct. 16
• Fraud: 6400 block Avenida Mañana, 4:11 p.m.
Oct. 18
• Vehicle break-in/theft: 7400 block Cabrillo Avenue, 8 p.m.
Oct. 20
• Felony grand theft: 8600 block Villa La Jolla Drive, 12:20 a.m.
• Felony vehicle theft: 3200 block Caminito Eastbluff, 4 a.m.
• Sex crime: Marine Street at Monte Vista Avenue, 6:50 p.m.
Oct. 21
• Vehicle break-in/theft: 7400 block Cuvier Street, 5 p.m.
• Open container in public park: 7800 block Exchange Place, 11:07 p.m.
• Commercial burglary: 5700 block La Jolla Boulevard, 11:40 p.m.
Oct. 23
• Residential burglary: 8500 block El Paseo Grande, 9:25 a.m.
Oct. 24
• Felony vehicle theft: 5200 block Chelsea Street, 1:09 a.m.
• Robbery: 3300 block La Jolla Village Drive, 9:04 a.m.
• Felony vehicle theft: 8400 block Via Mallorca, 2 p.m.
• Commercial robbery (no weapon used): 8600 block Villa La Jolla Drive, 8:22 p.m.
Oct. 25
• Residential burglary: 7300 block Caminito Cruzada, 3 a.m.
• Residential burglary: 1900 block Via Casa Alta, 3 a.m.
• Felony vehicle theft: 6700 block Vista del Mar Avenue, 4:30 a.m.
• Felony vehicle theft: 7000 block Caminito La Benera, 5 a.m.
Oct. 26
• Felony vehicle theft: 7900 block Roseland Drive, 9:30 a.m.
• Shoplifting: 8600 block Villa La Jolla Drive, 1:58 p.m. 