Background

This report presents the results of our audit of Mail Theft Mitigation and Response at the Jamaica Main, South Richmond Hill, and Woodside stations in Queens, NY (Project Number 24-037). The stations are in New York 2 District of the Retail and Delivery Operations, Atlantic Area. Our objective was to assess the U.S. Postal Service’s actions taken to mitigate and respond to mail theft in Queens, NY.

The Postal Service’s mission is to provide the nation with trusted, safe, and secure mail services, including the more than 107 million pieces of mail volume collected and delivered in Queens, NY, in fiscal year (FY) 2023. Unfortunately, mail theft occurs in various ways. Criminals use stolen universal keys—called arrow keys—to access collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, cluster box units, and apartment panels. Mail theft can also occur by individuals fishing or breaking into collection boxes with force, residential mailbox break-ins, package theft, and carrier robberies. It is imperative for the Postal Service to address mail theft issues to protect the Postal Service and retain the public’s trust.

Concerns about how the Postal Service prevents and responds to mail theft frequently appear in the media and have been a topic of Congressional hearings and inquiries received by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG). We have received specific concerns related to the increase in mail theft in the Queens area of New York.  4 News articles have also highlighted theft from green relay boxes in Queens, which included customers’ mail, birthday cards, paychecks, and medications.

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Source: USPS OIG