Series of Mail Thefts
On Monday, Chicago experienced a series of mail thefts involving three U.S. Postal Service (USPS) trucks. The incidents occurred within a span of two hours in different locations.
Circumstances of the Thefts
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service described these as “crimes of opportunity,” as the postal carriers were out of their vehicles delivering mail at the time of the thefts. Fortunately, the carriers were not approached during these incidents.
Previous Incidents
The recent thefts follow a previous incident where a postal carrier was robbed at gunpoint on North Lockwood the Monday before. The carrier was startled but managed to avoid harm.
Union Response
The president of the local letter carriers union and the assistant secretary-treasurer for the national organization have expressed concern. They emphasized the need for local and national legislation to improve safety for postal carriers, noting that crimes against carriers can disrupt mail service, including essential deliveries of retail items and medications.
Impact on Postal Carriers
Such incidents are highly traumatic for carriers, with some unable to return to their routes immediately, or ever, after experiencing such crimes.
Postal Inspection Service Actions
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is drafting a letter for customers who may have been affected by the recent mail thefts. They are also offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Additionally, customers are encouraged to sign up for Informed Delivery to track their mail.
