A pair of alleged mail thieves was apprehended in the midst of a parcel pilfering spree on May 15 after some of their loot got loose in front of police officer.

A Bellevue police officer patroling in the 16400 block of SE Newport Way round 4 a.m. witnessed a suspicious-looking vehicle stopping next to a mailbox. When the officer began to follow the car, several pieces of mail flew out the car windows, according to police.

After stopping the car and arresting both occupants — a 34-year-old Tacoma man and a 38-year-old Kent woman — police found stolen mail belonging to more than 12 victims in the Cougar Hills neighborhood, including two stolen packages. In addition, the officer later discovered that the vehicle that the suspects had been driving was reported stolen in January 2015 from an address in Bremerton.

This is the second arrest of suspected mail thieves this month.

Just last week, police intercepted a trio of mail thieves who were also found with a stolen vehicle. There was also an active warrant out of one of the group’s arrest.

Mail theft is common and can be prevented by purchasing a locking mailbox and removing mail from your mailbox on a daily basis, police said.