Letter to Mr. Elvin Mercado, Triboro District Manager of United States Postal Service - Install Anti-Theft Collection Boxes in Queens to Combat Growing mail Theft Crime Known as Mail Fishing

Letter

Dear Mr. Mercado:

I write to request that you take immediate steps to address mail fishing in my congressional district in Queens, New York.

Mail fishing, or the act of stealing mail from inside local mailboxes, is a growing problem across my congressional district that has serious consequences. My constituents have had their identities stolen and funds removed from their bank accounts due to checks and sensitive documents stolen directly from United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. Many of the victims of mail fishing are seniors who are particularly vulnerable to these reprehensible schemes and have limited information about how to protect themselves. Mail fishing is affecting neighborhoods across my district, including Rego Park and Kew Gardens Hills.

Mail fishing has become so prevalent that local police precincts have suggested that residents bring their mail directly to the post office and not leave it in local USPS collection boxes. This is not an acceptable solution. Many post offices in my district have limited hours, and residents cannot drop off mail when post offices are closed. This also creates a significant barrier for seniors and disabled persons in my district who have issues with mobility. My constituents need the USPS to provide relief, including, but not limited to, replacing all old USPS collection boxes with anti-theft collection boxes.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your response detailing a course of action to address the mail fishing that has tormented my constituents for months. I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

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