A postal worker accused of stealing debit/credit cards, checks and other mail at work has been arrested in Leeds

A U.S. Postal Service worker arrested in Leeds was found to be carrying a “large amount of mail” that belonged to people other than her, including debit cards, credit cards, licenses and checks. It all started on September 22nd when Leeds Police Department officers were called to Buc-ee's for a shoplifting report. When they arrived, they came into contact with Amber Beard and after finding Buc-ee's items in her purse, she was arrested. What was also worrying was what was found in her handbag. “It was a large amount of mail that belonged to people other than her,” said Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin. The stolen mail included credit cards, debit cards and other identification documents belonging to people other than her. That's when she told police she was a U.S. Postal Service employee. A search of Beard's car uncovered more mail that didn't belong to her, including driver's licenses, gift cards and checks. Now, Irwin said there's no telling how long Beard has been up to no good since it appears she stole the mail and used the cards and checks. “Especially given the amount of evidence we received, the number of envelopes that were opened without her name on them, she may have been doing this for some time,” Irwin said. Beard now faces five counts of illegal possession of a credit/debit card, trafficking in stolen identity and theft. Irwin also said the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has also been asked to investigate. He adds that there are things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime. “A credit card that you may apply for or that may be replaced if you do not receive it within a reasonable time, be sure to call the credit card company and have it deactivated, or if you” “We can monitor it online that you have your Monitor account to make sure no one is withdrawing money from your account,” Irwin said. Beard is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail on $80,500 bond.