Mail sorter charged after suspected theft of Australia Post packages

The mail sorter was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers after a search of his home and car. (Supplied: Australian Federal Police)

A 57-year-old mail sorter is accused of removing and tampering with packages from Australia Post mail bags while on overnight shifts.

Australian Federal Police officers seized $34,000 during a search of his home and car.

The man is due to face court today and police say their investigations are continuing.

A postal worker has been charged with mail tampering after Australia Post reported the suspected theft of packages from a sorting facility in Perth's south to federal police.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) reviewed CCTV footage and linked the loss of packages to the 57-year-old man's shift patterns before laying charges.

It is alleged the mail sorter removed and tampered with packages during his overnight shifts on June 2 and 3.

AFP officers searched the man's Armadale home and car and seized $34,000 in cash.

The man is due to face court today charged with two counts of tampering with mail receptacles.

The man allegedly removed and tampered with packages from mail bags. (Supplied: Australia Post - file photo)

The AFP said it took the allegations seriously and investigations were continuing into further suspected stolen and tampered packages.

"The AFP works closely with businesses to ensure trusted insiders suspected of abusing their position are brought to justice to ensure public confidence in the Australian postal system," Detective Acting Inspector David Blockley said.

"Tampering with the Australian postal system is a serious offence which carries substantial penalties."

"Australia Post plays an important role in delivering for the community," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"This is a very serious matter and Australia Post has been supporting the Australian Federal Police in their investigation, and will continue to do so.