VANCOUVER, Wash. - U.S. postal inspectors hope a new reward worth up to $10,000 will help lead them to those responsible for a surge in mail theft in the greater Vancouver area in December.

Inspectors said the problems are particularly bad in two Vancouver zip codes: 98685 and 98686.

Mail theft is such a concern because it can lead to identity theft, among other crimes.

Mike Litteral, president and CEO of Daystar Windows & Doors on Northeast 146th Avenue, said his business mail has been stolen twice in the past 12 months.

"What's happened is they've taken either a small crowbar or something and actually pushed in behind the mailbox and then just pried it open (from the back)," Litteral said.

The scratch marks in the back of the mail box are obvious. Litteral said the thieves stole and renegotiated the checks for cash.

"It's an identity issue more than anything else," he said. "Obviously we have to close bank accounts, re-open (them). We have to reissue checks in some cases. It becomes an expensive problem for all of us."

Postal Inspector Dennis Fernald said he is sure he knows who is responsible for an unconfirmed number of mail thefts.

"Ninety-nine percent of the people that we arrest that are involved in mail theft and identity theft have a substance abuse problem (such as meth)," Fernald told KATU News. "October and November - very few break-ins. And then in December, we started getting maybe one a day."

Since then, not a single tip has led them to the suspects. He hopes the reward being offered will lead to an arrest and conviction.

Fernald said potential mail theft victims are always notified by letter. As a preventive measure, he said people should drop off their outgoing mail at the post office or work.

Anyone with information on the mail thefts is asked to call (503) 279-2068 or (503) 279-2072. Callers can remain anonymous.