US Postal Service mailboxes across the city have seen thefts at an unprecedented level.
Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10) is urging USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to take action.
According to the Brooklyn Eagle, Goldman has received complaints from constituents about paychecks, credit cards, and medical documents stolen from their mailboxes since he assumed office in January. He got complaints from Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Borough Park, and Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
He says the complaints have been “alarming” and wrote to Postmaster DeJoy on the matter on March 31st.
Goldman wants the USPS to address theft and has urged residents to be extra careful and report any theft to 911.
Thieves often employ a variety of techniques to steal mail. Doing what is called“check washing,” thieves often bleach off the intended payee’s name and replace it with their own. They may also use sticky adhesive to “fish” mail out of boxes with strings and glue traps.
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert about mail theft in January, saying there was a noticeable rise in the crime and said it put New Yorkers at a “serious risk.”
USPS has said that New Yorkers should avoid using USPS mailboxes as much as possible, or deposit letters right before pickup. Any suspected theft or noticeable substance on boxes should be reported to the Post Office or the NY Division of the US Postal Inspection Service.
