It’s difficult to quantify the large amounts of money lost from mailbox fishing, the subject of our front page story. The problem is not new. Mailbox fishing has victimized scores of people who depend on the mail to send out their rent check, money orders for utilities, or even a gift card for a loved one. Yet, it hasn’t abated, and the NYPD continues to face a tough task in nailing mailbox fishers.

The NYPD could be helped in curbing this kind of fraud that’s blanketed the Bronx. Yet, when reading that a bank won’t give up surveillance video of a suspect cashing a forged check, that’s the kind of delay that could cost the NYPD their case, and a victim thousands of dollars. Days count in these types of investigations so it’s critical for an institution to provide surveillance video at the ready, without a subpoena.

It’s time for the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and federal prosecutors to step it up in combatting mailbox fishing. Form a task force, impose tougher penalties on suspects. Essentially, do something.

Cops can only be in so many places. And Bronx residents can only put so much faith in the US Postal Service before they begin turning their back on them.