DALLAS -- Police investigators said they are trying to figure out how a man ended up with eight copies of mail carrier keys, which gave him access to people's private information.

The postal inspector said a thief had counterfeit mail carrier keys used to get into locked community mailboxes, such as those found at apartment complexes.

When police in Addison responded to a suspicious vehicle, they arrested Michael Hannah, 27, of Irving, on felony drug charges. But, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service was alarmed by something else police said they found.

"In the vehicle, they found approximately 40 pieces of mail, and they also found several counterfeit post office keys," Postal Inspector Amanda McMurrey said.

The homemade keys could give a thief access to community mailboxes.

"I feel (community mailboxes) are safe. I would prefer this over a regular mailbox that someone could literally drive up to and take mail out of," homeowner Sharon Howard said.

Homeowner Darren Gipson said he is already worried about the safety of his mortgage, student loan and credit card statements.

"I guess they could do the same thing with a mailbox out in front of your house. I just don't like the fact that they could open it up and have access to everything, because what if you had a bad apple at the postal service, you know?" Gipson said.

"Well, obviously, we get very concerned to see somebody out there counterfeiting our keys. It's not easy to do," McMurrey said.

Hannah will face prosecution on federal charges, including counterfeiting a post office key, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.

"Yeah, that's pretty scary to know that they are going to that length to steal people's mail," Howard said.

Hannah is free on $105,000 bond.

McMurrey said there are at least 10 victims in Dallas and Carrollton, who will be notified by mail.