During the busiest period for mail delivery, criminal activities targeting postal services are also on the rise.
Escalating Mail Theft Incidents
Data obtained through federal records reveals a significant jump in large-scale mail thefts nationwide. The Postal Police Officers Association reported 52,000 such incidents during the government's 2024 fiscal year, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
For comparison, only about 2,000 cases were documented back in 2010.
Recent High-Profile Cases
A recent viral video captured thieves fleeing from a postal facility on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles' Fairfax District. The FBI has announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to arrests in this particular investigation.
"The criminals are getting more and more brazen, I mean, you see it in that video," stated Postal Police Officers Association President Frank Albergo. "They literally don't care. They don't think they are going to be caught because they probably won't be caught."
Security Concerns and Responses
Albergo expressed concern about current security measures, noting that only approximately 350 postal police officers are currently assigned to protect USPS facilities nationwide.
While the United States Postal Inspection Service reports making substantial investments to address mail theft and has apprehended more than 3,000 individuals for related offenses over the past two years, critics like Albergo argue these efforts remain insufficient to combat the growing problem.
