Thefts from apartment drop boxes are on the rise and residents need to take precautions to protect their checks and bank accounts, Fresno police said Wednesday.

Thieves are targeting drop boxes especially at the end of the month to obtain checks and money orders.

Lt. Don Gross said that once a check is stolen, thieves change the name on the check to cash it. Thieves cash the checks throughout California and also can make payments by telephone or on the Internet.

"More critical, they print their own checks with the bank and routing number of the stolen check," Gross said.

Thieves will go to any length to plunder the drop-box contents, even if it means stealing the whole box, Gross said.

"Suspects can empty a box in just a couple of minutes," he said.

Police advise residents who use drop boxes not to put checks in them overnight and to use a money order as a last resort.

The most secure way for a tenant to turn in a check is to bring it to the recipient during regular business hours, Gross said.

If a check is stolen, the resident should contact the bank immediately, close the account and open a new one, police say.

"This is a hassle, but it's more of a hassle when your bank account is empty and you can't pay your bills," Gross said.

Apartment managers are also encouraged to empty drop boxes nightly.

Residents victimized by drop-box thefts can file a report at www.fresno.gov/reportcrime.

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