Northeast King County has experienced an increase in mail thefts, with 68 reports in a recent 14-week period.

The reasons for the uptick are unclear. Detectives have arrested several suspects, but mail boxes are an easy target of opportunity for thieves.

Thefts happen at all hours, but most occur between 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. The suspects target traditional mailboxes, yet they aren’t deterred by locks attempting to pry them open.

To protect yourself from these thefts:

• Make it a habit to collect your mail every day;

• Consider buying a locking mailbox;

• If you’re travelling, ask a the post office to hold your mail;

• To send mail, go the post office, don’t leave it for your carrier— that red flag is a notice to everyone that there is mail in the box.