There has been an uptick in reported mail fishing scams in Nassau County.

In these cases, police say thieves use a weighted object, attached to a string with a sticky substance, and remove items from postal boxes.

‘Mail fishers’ will steal cash, identities, and other monetary instruments through this process.

Stolen checks or money orders can be altered and cashed.

Nassau police are advising use of the mail slots inside the post office or just hand it directly to your letter carrier.

The department is also reminding senders not to put cash in the mail and to avoid using collection boxes on holiday weekends.

You should also inquire about overdue mail, such as credit cards, checks, or other valuables, police say.

Any suspicious activity can be reported by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or 911.