Routine Traffic Stop Uncovers Major Mail Theft in Inver Grove Heights
Courtesy the Inver Grove Heights Police Department/Facebook
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA - According to the Inver Grove Heights Police Department, a routine patrol in the early hours of November 14, 2024, led to the discovery of an extensive mail theft in Inver Grove Heights. Around 12:15 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle with a headlight out in the 7800 block of Concord Boulevard. After initiating a traffic stop in the 7700 block of Dowell Avenue, the officer discovered a large-scale mail theft involving over 500 pieces of stolen correspondence.
The vehicle, driven by a nervous woman, drew attention due to an unusual amount of mail scattered throughout the interior. When questioned, the driver admitted to stealing the mail from nearby mailboxes. She was arrested on the scene and transported to Dakota County Jail on charges related to mail theft. In total, police identified 161 victims affected by the theft. Officers worked tirelessly overnight to sort, catalog, photograph, and document the stolen mail. The recovered items have since been returned to the U.S. Postal Service for redistribution to the rightful recipients.
According to the Inver Grove Heights Police Department, if you reside in the Concord Boulevard and 78th Street areas and haven’t received expected mail, you are encouraged to check the USPS, as it might have been part of the recovery. Additionally, the Inver Grove Heights Police Department stated they will be contacting all 161 victims who were involved, to let them know they were impacted by the incident.
The arrested individual, 34-year-old Kanesha Anderson, has been identified as the suspect in this incident. She was arrested and taken into Dakota County Jail and charged with two felony counts of Mail Theft (from Depository) and Mail Theft (Obtained illegally). Court records show that Anderson has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for theft, burglary, drug possession, and fleeing police. Her prior convictions highlight a troubling pattern of offenses dating back over a decade. Anderson is expected to be in court today for her first court appearance around 2 PM.
The Inver Grove Heights Police Department also offered the following tips to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Mail Theft:
Retrieve Mail Promptly: Don’t let mail sit in your box for extended periods.
Use a Locking Mailbox: Secure your mail with a mailbox that has a locking mechanism.
Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery: Track your incoming mail digitally to spot any missing items.
Shred Sensitive Documents: Always shred documents with personal information before disposal.
Track Packages: Use delivery tracking services to monitor your packages and opt for secure delviery options if needed.
Report Suspicous Activity: Contact law enforcement if you notice unusual activity around your mailbox or neighborhood.
Monitor Your Statements: Regurarly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity.
Written by: Will Wight
