Livingston man accused of mail theft

LIVINGSTON -- A 27-year-old man was arrested by Livingston police recently for allegedly stealing mail to commit identity theft and fraud.

Jasvir Singh was taken into custody after officers had followed up Saturday on a burglary reported at the Alcante Apartments on Swan Street. Officers developed suspect information and contacted Singh at his residence, according to a Livingston police press release.

Officers conducted a search of the suspect’s room and discovered nearly 65 pieces of mail belonging to people and addresses. Officers contacted several of the people whose mail was in the room and confirmed at least three had been victims of mail theft.

The streets the mail came from were located mostly in the northeast portion of the Livingston, including Olds Avenue, Hickory Avenue, North Main Street, Eucalyptus Avenue, Walnut Avenue, Swan Street, W. Olive Avenue, East Avenue, Franci Street, Prusso Street and Peach Avenue.

Officers conducted interviews and determined the suspect was involved with others who stole mail out of mail boxes. Police said the culprits were using the some of the information gathered to obtain credit cards under the victims’ names to commit fraud and identify theft, according to the release.

Singh was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of identity theft, passing bad checks, conspiracy and possession of stolen property. Police said the investigation is ongoing and may result in more arrests. Singh is being held in lieu of $75,000 bail.

Livingston police encourage residents to be cautious about leaving mail in mail boxes for long periods of time. Also, please report suspicious activity on streets and neighborhoods.

This story was originally published February 2, 2015 at 6:59 PM with the headline "Livingston man accused of mail theft."