Police are warning residents after mail was stolen from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox outside a local post office early Monday morning.

A maroon, newer model Jeep Cherokee was allegedly involved in the mail theft behind the Bedford Post Office, according to police.

A Bedford police officer parked at the Bedford Market Place at around 1:30 a.m. on Monday reportedly saw the Jeep pull up to the blue Postal Service mailbox behind the post office at 158 Great Road.

The cop then saw a person get out of the Jeep, open the mailbox, and remove mail from it before jumping back into the Jeep.

The police officer chased the Jeep down Great Road and onto I-95 before ending the pursuit due to safety concerns. The driver was reportedly operating erratically.

Bedford Police are investigating the incident with help from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security.

“We want to warn anyone who may have deposited a check or other mail in the box behind the post office last night that this incident occurred,” said Chief John Fisher.

“Mail theft and checking washing are becoming increasingly common, and all residents should consider delivering their mail only by hand to the U.S. Post Office, or dropping their mail off prior to the final nightly pickup time for blue Postal Service mailboxes,” the chief added.

Police are asking anyone with information on this incident, or anyone who believes they recognize the vehicle involved, to call Bedford Police at 781-275-1212.