This from a neighbor plugged into the local police force.

With the popularity of Netflix, it has become much more worthwhile than formerly to rob domestic mailboxes, especially those that have a red flag up when mail is to be picked up by the mailman. When returning Netflix DVDs, drop ‘em in a public mailbox; or, if you want them picked up from your home, put them in your mailbox & flip up the flag at the last possible minute.