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Crime ring forges checks from Amherst businesses

Posted at 4:00 PM, Apr 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-06 16:00:22-04

A criminal ring is stealing checks out of the mailboxes of Amherst businesses and cashing them.

Since last fall, several businesses have been victimized. Police estimate the ring has forged more than $20,000 worth of checks.

Authorities say the company checks are taken from mailboxes, primarily along rural routes and roadsides. The ring uses the checks to forge the company’s name, logo and account numbers. The ring then pays people with good identification to cash the checks.

So far, five people have been arrested in connection to the forgeries in Amherst. Detectives say they have also reached out to other local law enforcement agencies who have had similar crimes in their areas.

Police are urging businesses to use caution by locking their mailbox and being aware of Saturday mail being delivered when the business may be closed.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information should call 716-689-1343.