Last year, the U.S. Postal Service initiated Project Safe Delivery to address the increasing incidents of letter carrier robberies. Despite efforts resulting in hundreds of arrests and a slowdown in robberies towards the end of the year, the overall number of postal carriers robbed in 2023 rose again. Criminals target carriers for their antiquated 'arrow keys,' leading to a surge in robberies and injuries.
Legislation is now being introduced in Congress to expedite the replacement of tens of thousands of mailbox keys, enhance prosecutions, and review sentencing guidelines to combat this issue.
In 2023, postal carrier robberies increased by nearly 30%, with 61 incidents resulting in injuries. Over the past decade, robberies have grown sixfold, with a significant rise in postal carriers being held at gunpoint.
Under Project Safe Delivery, more than 1,200 arrests have been made for mail thefts and robberies. The initiative included targeted law enforcement operations in high-risk areas and the installation of high-security blue boxes and electronic locks on mail receptacles.
Recent statistics show a 19% decrease in postal robberies over the past five months, with a 73% increase in arrests for letter carrier robberies in the current fiscal year.
Efforts to protect postal employees and the mail are ongoing, with plans to replace antiquated keys with electronic versions and allocate resources to prosecute criminals effectively.
Postal leaders and the letter carrier union have expressed outrage over lenient sentencing for perpetrators, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of postal workers.
Postal robberies not only pose a threat to carriers but also to democracy, as mail often contains essential items like personal checks, prescriptions, and ballots.
The proposed bipartisan legislation aims to safeguard postal workers and hold criminals accountable under the law.
Despite the challenges faced by postal carriers, many continue to fulfill their duties, albeit with concerns about their safety. The push for stronger measures to combat robberies and protect postal workers remains a top priority for postal officials and lawmakers.
