The Houston-area is no stranger to crimes revolving around the mail, but nationally, the FBI is warning of another type of crime involving mail theft on the rise.

Two suspects, Victoria Renee Martinez and Christopher Manley, were arrested in Houston for mail theft and identity fraud after allegedly using a stolen mail key to access postal boxes.

Sugar Land Police arrested two Houston residents, Jae Barnett and Hodari King, for mail theft on July 27.

Harris County Deputies have arrested Benjamin Williams, a repeat offender, after he was discovered in possession of counterfeit mailbox keys and stolen mail checks.

This is how it’s supposed to work, United States Postal Service carriers opening your mail boxes with what’s called a arrow key and then delivering your mail.

Learn what steps to take if you suspect your mail has been stolen or is missing.

Mail theft is a huge problem both in the Houston area and across the country. Thieves bust into cluster mailboxes or blue collection boxes to take what they want. Or they target postal carriers and steal mail keys. The U.S. Postal Service is working to step up security measures in Houston and across the country to help protect your mail.