Police look to book grinches trying to steal Christmas cash from Eastside mailboxes

The thefts all occurred on Sunday in East Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

EAST ROCHESTER - Police are looking for the public's help in bringing to justice a gang of grinches who are rifling through East Rochester mail boxes looking for gift cards, checks and cash intended as Christmas presents.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said all the incidents occurred on Sunday in East Rochester in an area between the Nancy Loud and East Rochester Elementary School.

He characterized the spate of mailbox breakings as "unusual," and said police are hoping someone will be able to supply surveillance images that might result in suspects being developed.

All of the incidents occurred between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and involved multiple mailboxes being broken into.

In many of the incidents, folks called in to report that they found neighbors' mail strewn all about their property.

Rochester Police are pursuing all leads with the intent of possibly being able to charge suspects with criminal mischief.

Opening mailboxes is also a federal offense, Pinkham noted.