Businesses worried about sensitive info after thieves rip open mailboxes

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Several business owners are worried after someone broke into mailboxes in Fayette County and may have taken sensitive information.

Six businesses on Tober Trial and Etowah Trace reported thefts Monday. Locked mailboxes were forced open and sensitive information, checks and cash were potentially stolen.

"It's concerning because credit card statements are in there. Nobody knows what was in there," Civil Site Services employee Kenny Harp said.

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Heather Anderson said the box at her business, Carroll Exterminating Co., was pried open.

"We're stopping the mail on Saturday, checking the mail Friday before we leave," she said.

The theft victims believe the incidents happened over the weekend while they were away.

"I'm not surprised. Ours was broken into about two years ago. They stole the whole entire mailbox," E.L.W. Motorcoach owner Freda Turner-Withrow said.

Her advice to her fellow business owners: "Get a P.O. box. That's the best advice."

"We have cameras and have a security system (which) makes you feel safe, but overall you can't secure the mailbox. You try with locks, but they can pry them open," Anderson said.

What was taken remains a mystery.

"Could be months before we realize what 's missing," Harp said.

"It's very sad because this is the backbone of America. We work hard for our money being small businesses," Anderson said.

Cox Media Group