California and Texas have introduced stricter penalties for mail theft and for assaulting federal employees, while Arizona passed a bipartisan bill allowing state law enforcement to work more closely with federal agencies on mail-related crimes. Image: Here Now / Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOn June 23, 2025, three men from Lima, Ohio, were sentenced in federal court for a violent November 30, 2023 robbery of a USPS letter carrier during his delivery route. The trio — armed with threat and force — seized master USPS keys used to unlock mail receptacles, leading to subsequent thefts of U.S. mail
This incident reflects a broader, troubling trend: mail theft and violence against postal workers are escalating nationwide. In recent years, reported cases involving stolen checks, packages, and even attacks on letter carriers have surged. Criminals are increasingly targeting “arrow keys”—critical master keys that grant access to collection boxes and cluster mailboxes—yet these once-“petty crimes” are now deemed serious public safety concerns.
The surge in mail theft and violence against postal workers has prompted an aggressive federal crackdown aimed at curbing the escalation. According to data from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), reports of stolen checks, packages, and attacks on letter carriers have increased significantly over the past three years. In 2023 alone, there were more than 500 reported attacks on mail carriers, many involving weapons or physical force.
In response, the USPIS, in partnership with the Department of Justice, launched “Operation Safe Delivery,” an initiative that aims to dismantle organized mail theft rings, install high-security mailboxes in major metropolitan areas, and expand enforcement actions nationwide. The initiative marks a renewed push to protect the integrity of the mail system and improve safety for USPS personnel.
State governments are also stepping in to address the surge. California and Texas have introduced stricter penalties for mail theft and for assaulting federal employees, while Arizona passed a bipartisan bill allowing state law enforcement to work more closely with federal agencies on mail-related crimes.
Historically, mail theft has carried federal penalties, but enforcement has varied, particularly in cases involving non-bank-related items such as gift cards or prescription medications. The current crackdown signals a shift toward prioritizing these cases, with U.S. attorneys treating mail-related crimes with increased urgency.
Despite the stepped-up efforts, postal worker unions, including the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), are calling for additional measures to protect carriers on their routes. Recommendations include equipping carriers with body-worn panic buttons, GPS tracking, increased two-person routes in high-risk areas, and enhanced training for de-escalating confrontations. Union leaders are also advocating for USPS management to reassess delivery routes in areas with higher safety concerns.
While some USPS officials have expressed support for these measures, challenges related to funding and implementation remain. The debate continues over how to balance the need for increased security with the community presence that carriers provide in their daily routines.
As mail theft operations become more sophisticated, federal and state agencies are intensifying their efforts to protect the nation’s mail system and those who deliver it. The success of these initiatives will rely on continued enforcement, public awareness, and collaboration among federal, state, and postal stakeholders.
How Can You Help and Stay Informed?
For USPS employees, retirees, and their families, this issue is more than a headline—it’s personal. If you’re a postal worker, advocate, or concerned citizen, now is the time to stay informed and engaged. Visit USPIS.gov to report mail crimes or learn about prevention, and check with your union for the latest safety updates and policy efforts.
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