GARDEN RIDGE, Texas — Two men have been arrested in connection with a string of mail thefts that left Garden Ridge residents frustrated and concerned for their security.
Authorities say Robert Henry Blalock Jr. and Robert Henry Blalock III were arrested Tuesday by Bexar County deputies and now face theft charges for allegedly stealing more than 30 pieces of mail from community mailboxes.
Residents had grown suspicious after packages and letters began disappearing from cluster mailboxes. It wasn’t until a neighbor installed a surveillance camera that the suspects were finally caught in the act.
Karen Adams, one of the victims, initially thought her missing package was a mistake. “I opened the box and there was no package there,” she said. But as she reached out to neighbors, she learned that many others were experiencing the same issue.
“Since July, about 18 people have had their packages stolen,” Adams added.
Investigators believe the suspects targeted multiple locations, including areas in San Antonio, and may have had access to mailbox keys, as there were no signs of forced entry. “It’s a violation. You spend good money and then you don’t get the product you paid for,” Adams said.
Following the arrests, Garden Ridge police served a warrant at the suspects’ residence. Authorities say this is part of a larger effort to stop ongoing mail thefts in the area.
In response to the thefts, residents are increasing security by installing more cameras and opting to have packages held at the post office. Postal officials have also posted notices alerting residents that some mailboxes have been compromised.
“They deserve justice and so hopefully that’s what they receive,” said one resident. “And I’m hoping we don’t have that problem again.”
