We've got mail: 1500 stolen letters, parcels found in Auckland home

A stash of 1500 pieces of stolen mail has been found at an Auckland house. Photo / Supplied

A stash of 1500 pieces of stolen mail, pilfered from letterboxes over the last year has been found at an Auckland house.

After a number of reports about a Waterview resident stealing mail, police searched a house on Monday and discovered 1500 mail items.

They were all delivered recently to the Waterview and Mt Albert areas but pinched before the recipient could collect them.

Police spent four hours searching and sorting the large amount of mail - the majority of it unopened.

"Approximately 1500 items of mail have been secured by NZ Post, mainly for the Waterview and Mt Albert areas, and they are now in the process of sorting through the items, and wherever possible re-delivering it to its intended destination over the next week or two.," a police spokesperson said.

"A covering letter will be attached to any found items which are re-delivered, so that customers are aware of what has happened."

NZ Post security advisor Julian Thorburn said the alleged thief was not an employee of the company.

"We became aware of it on Friday afternoon when the police notified us The majority of mail recovered appears to have been taken in the last year. The mail was taken after delivery from letterboxes and recycling bins," he said.

"Addressed items will be delivered next week with a letter of explanation attached."

So how could people protect their mail from thieves?

"Steps people can take to protect against theft after delivery include clearing mail regularly and installing a lock on their letterbox," said Mr Thorburn.

"If people are going away they should consider having their mail redirected, or setting up a hold on their mail."

Police said the find was a "great example" of the community and police working together to reduce inappropriate behaviour.

"It will be a positive outcome for those who have lost mail over recent months, even though they may be unaware in many cases," the officer said.

"Both police and NZ Post want to encourage residents to ensure they collect their mail on the new delivery days, and to report suspicious behaviour as soon as possible."