Key Takeaways
- High-volume mail theft attacks are becoming more common in the US, with 52,000 reported cases in the 2024 fiscal year
- The number of reported cases has increased significantly since 2010, when there were only around 2,000 cases
- The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to arrests in a recent high-profile mail theft case in Los Angeles
- The US Postal Service is making investments to combat mail theft, but critics argue that more needs to be done to prevent these crimes
- The number of postal police officers has decreased, with only around 350 officers currently guarding USPS facilities
Introduction to Mail Theft
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is experiencing its busiest month of the year, and unfortunately, thieves are taking advantage of the situation. High-volume mail theft attacks are becoming increasingly common, with the Postal Police Officers Association reporting 52,000 cases across the country in the 2024 fiscal year. This represents a significant increase from the 2,000 cases reported in 2010. The rise in mail theft has led to concerns about the safety and security of the mail system, and the need for increased measures to prevent these crimes.
The Rise of Brazen Thieves
A recent video that went viral shows a group of thieves running from a USPS office on Beverly Boulevard in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to arrests in the case. According to Frank Albergo, President of the Postal Police Officers Association, the criminals are becoming more and more brazen, and seem to be acting with impunity. Albergo stated that the thieves "literally don’t care" and "don’t think they are going to be caught because they probably won’t be caught." This lack of fear of consequences is contributing to the increasing number of mail theft attacks.
Insufficient Security Measures
One of the main concerns is the lack of security measures in place to prevent mail theft. Albergo believes that there are not enough postal police officers to effectively guard USPS facilities. Currently, there are only around 350 postal police officers, which is a significant decrease from previous years. This reduction in personnel has left many facilities vulnerable to attack, and has made it easier for thieves to carry out high-volume mail thefts. The lack of security measures has also emboldened thieves, who are now more likely to target USPS facilities.
Efforts to Combat Mail Theft
Despite the concerns, the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) claims to be making significant investments in combatting mail theft. According to the agency, postal inspectors have busted over 3,000 people for mail theft over the past two years. While this may seem like a significant effort, critics like Albergo argue that it is not enough to prevent the rising number of mail theft attacks. The USPIS needs to do more to address the root causes of mail theft and to provide adequate security measures to prevent these crimes.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The rise in high-volume mail theft attacks is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. The USPS and law enforcement agencies must work together to increase security measures and prevent these crimes. This includes increasing the number of postal police officers, improving surveillance and monitoring systems, and providing more resources to combat mail theft. Additionally, the public can play a role in preventing mail theft by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can help to reduce the number of mail theft attacks and keep the mail system safe and secure.
