News Summary

A 38-year-old man from Houston, Viorel Velcu, was arrested for mail thefts at The Cross Church in Wylie, Texas. Following several reports of mailbox tampering, Wylie Police used surveillance to catch him in the act. Velcu also had an outstanding warrant related to prior mail theft allegations. He is currently being held in Collin County Jail on a combined bond of $50,000. The investigation remains open as police look into possible additional charges related to the case.

Wylie, Texas

A Houston man has been arrested for his involvement in mail thefts at The Cross Church located in Wylie, Texas. Viorel Velcu, 38, was apprehended on July 27, 2023, after a detailed investigation by the Wylie Police Department, which was initiated following multiple reports of mailbox tampering at the church.

The investigation began on July 6, when officers received reports that the mailbox situated in the church parking lot had been pried open on several occasions. Wylie Police detectives were able to trace the criminal activity back to a suspect vehicle registered in Houston, Texas. Utilizing FLOCK Safety Cameras, the detectives tracked the movements of the vehicle, which eventually led them back to the Dallas metroplex and specifically to Wylie.

Surveillance and Arrest

After confirming the suspect’s vehicle was at the church, police set up surveillance to monitor the situation. The officers observed Velcu exiting the vehicle and approaching the mailbox at The Cross Church. He was then arrested for unlawful use of a criminal instrument and mail theft.

Further probing revealed that Velcu also had an outstanding arrest warrant from the Flower Mound Police Department related to prior mail theft allegations. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Collin County Jail, where he is currently being held on a combined bond amount totaling $50,000.

Investigation Status

As the investigation continues, it remains unclear if the charges from Flower Mound are related to the ongoing case at The Cross Church. The police department has not ruled out the possibility of additional criminal charges being filed against Velcu as they gather more evidence.

Community Response

The Wylie Police Department has commended the collaboration and teamwork displayed by the officers and partnering agencies throughout this investigation. Their joint efforts are seen as vital in preventing further mail theft incidents in both Wylie and the broader Dallas Metroplex area.

Background Context

Mail theft has become a growing concern for communities across Texas and the nation, posing risks for identity theft and fraud. Churches and other community organizations often utilize mail services for various operational needs, making them potential targets for such crimes. The Wylie Police Department’s swift action in apprehending Velcu aims to not only address this particular incident but also deter similar crimes in the future.

As residents and community members await further updates, authorities encourage anyone with information about mail thefts or suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to come forward. The safety and security of the community remain paramount, and local law enforcement is dedicated to actively combating these offenses.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 4 News: Houston Man Arrested for Mail Theft
• Wikipedia: Mail Theft
• WXXV 25: USPS Removes Mailboxes to Combat Theft
• Google Search: Mail Theft in Texas
• WCNC: Mail Fraud in the Carolinas
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mail Fraud
• NBC DFW: Dallas Investor Sentenced over Scheme
• Google News: Mail Theft Crime News