Mail Theft 'Nothing New' For Tulsa Neighborhood

Tulsa police arrested a woman for stealing mail from at least 17 homes in a neighborhood near 73rd and Memorial.

Police said the woman lives in the area and was taking the mail from her own neighbors. One of them said mail theft on the street is nothing new.

Police arrested 37-year-old Melissa Nelson around 7:30 Friday morning after a homeowner said she noticed Nelson going through her mailbox.

1/8/2016 Related Story: Police Release Identity Of Tulsa Mail Theft Suspect

Police said she watched as Nelson went from house to house looking for their mail.

Jack Murdock lives just across the street from where Nelson was arrested; he said the news doesn't surprise him.

"We've had that problem for several years around here - people steal mail out of the mailboxes. We went and got a post office box about three years ago because of that problem," he said.

Murdock said before he got a P.O. Box his mail had even ended up on the side of the road, miles away.

"Yeah, 55th and Mingo, a whole handful of mail was thrown out of a car there. Someone had stolen it and a business there called us," he said.

After at least two separate incidents, Murdock - who runs his own business - said he had enough and now has everything sent somewhere else.

"We have numerous checks coming to us every week, and so we get them at the post office box and that way they're secure,” Murdock said.

Nelson faces one count of possession of stolen property and one count felony drug possession.

Police said if you see activity like this in your neighborhood, contact them.