Mail thief suspected of many more crimes from Seattle to Bellevue

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — Police arrested a man who is now charged with mail theft and identity theft, and is suspected in dozens of more property crimes from Seattle to Bellevue.

In mid-February, Mercer Island resident Mike Gage noticed his and other mail boxes were pried open.

He called police, who searched the area.

A few hours later officers found Anthony Anissipour sleeping in a black BMW in Aubrey Davis Park -- with a crow bar on his lap.

There were also several newly purchased items in the back seat and mail from Gage‘s home.

“We don’t always make the arrest that quickly, but it does send a good message to not just the citizens, but also people who come here wishing to do harm to the community -- that we are extremely proactive,” said the Mercer Island police chief.

When police confronted the sleeping suspect, he admitted to the mail theft.

Officers said they also found stolen credit cards used to make big purchases including more than $5,300 at one Apple Store and more than $9,200 at another, more than $1,400 at a Macy’s, and more than $2000 at a Nike Store.

Anissipour is now facing mail theft and identity theft charges out of Mercer Island.

However, KIRO 7 found out from police that Seattle and Bellevue are also building cases against the suspect for dozens of other property crimes, including home break-ins.

Cox Media Group