The U.S. Postal Service’s mail carriers are increasingly becoming targets for armed robberies while on their delivery routes. This is due to the fact that carriers often carry personal checks, prescription drugs, and USPS’ antiquated “arrow keys,” which can be used by criminals to access various types of mailboxes and steal their contents. The number of postal carrier robberies has been on the rise, with incidents increasing by 30% and robberies resulting in injuries doubling in 2023. Over the past decade, robberies have grown sixfold, and the number of postal carriers held at gunpoint has increased at an even higher rate.
In an effort to address the rising number of robberies, the USPS launched Project Safe Delivery in May, a crime prevention initiative aimed at reducing criminal acts against postal employees. Despite these efforts, robberies of postal carriers continue to occur, with recent incidents reported in various locations. Some carriers have suffered minor injuries during these robberies, while postal officials have offered rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the apprehension of criminals responsible for these acts. Law enforcement authorities have made over 1,200 arrests related to mail thefts and letter carrier robberies since the launch of Project Safe Delivery.
The USPS has faced criticism for not consistently securing the millions of “arrow keys” in circulation, which could be contributing to the problem of rising theft targeting carriers. Although Project Safe Delivery aimed to address this issue by replacing old locks with electronic ones, the postal service’s lack of consistency in implementing these security measures has been highlighted in a recent review. However, there has been a decrease in postal robberies in recent months, with incidents falling by 19% over the previous five months according to postal service data.
Recent cases of armed robberies targeting mail carriers have highlighted the risks they face while performing their duties. Last May, a mail carrier in New Hampshire was held at gunpoint by a robber seeking to steal the carrier’s arrow keys. The robberies of postal carriers pose a serious threat to their safety and well-being, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address the issue. The USPS and law enforcement authorities are working together to combat these crimes and protect the postal service employees from further harm. Despite the challenges faced by mail carriers, efforts to enhance security and reduce robberies are showing some positive results in decreasing incidents over time.
