Investigation shows USPS has poorly managed mail theft protections throughout Queens

NEW YORK — The US Postal Service has “poorly managed” security measures designed to prevent Mail theft in Queensaccording to an investigation initiated by US Representative Grace Meng.

The report, released by the USPS Office of the Inspector General, found that post offices across the district did not properly implement measures to “prevent mail theft,” according to Meng.

“Mail theft is an ongoing problem in Queens”

“The Inspector General’s report confirms what we have long known: mail theft is a persistent problem in Queens, but it is far worse than previously known. From checks and packages to prescriptions and personal information, the Postal Service’s gross mismanagement has created an environment where thieves can take advantage of the borough’s residents. Local management must be held accountable,” Meng said.

In particular, investigators found that post offices failed to track and secure keys green relay boxesused to store mail to make the work of postmen easier. In 2023, CBS New York found videos that appeared to show Breaking open relay boxes in Astoria.

The residents of Queens were complain about stolen mail for yearsThe district was marked as a focus area for nationwide testing by the post office in early 2024.

In April, the USPS promised to take steps to secure keys amid nationwide complaints about mail theft. increased from less than 60,000 in 2018 to 250,000 in 2023.

Regardless, the post office has begun to urge its customers to Upgrade to larger mailboxeswhich are supposedly better suited for receiving packages from online retailers.