(WICHITA, Kan.) -

Wichita Police warn citizens to be vigilant after people in a car were spotted stealing from mailboxes in a west Wichita neighborhood last Friday.

According to a police report, someone in the 1200 block of West 33rd Street North spotted a white car trolling down the street.  A person inside opened several mailboxes and removed items.

"You have to be really really careful.  So much is happening these days that you have to watch out," said resident Nancy Rogers-Klassen.

It's likely the mail theft is only the beginning of the crime spree.  The thieves will probably use information they gather to steal people's identities.

Police say an effective neighborhood watch system is one of the best defenses against such a crime.