Letter to Frank Calabrese, District Manager of United States Postal Service - Meng Urges Postal Service to Address Mail Theft in Queens

Letter

Dear Mr. Calabrese:

I write to respectfully request that you consider taking immediate steps to address the theft of mail from United States Postal Service (USPS) "Relay Boxes" in the 6th Congressional District located in Queens, New York.

Recently, my constituents have been impacted by a surge of mail theft, in which dark green relay mailboxes have been targeted for theft. The relay boxes, unlike standard blue mailboxes, do not feature a slot and require a key to open. These boxes can store thousands of letters at a time and are vulnerable to break-ins. As you know, mail theft is a crime with serious consequences. Identities can be stolen, money removed from bank accounts, sensitive documents obtained, and more. Having just one letter stolen can have lasting effects on a victim. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, and that is why it is crucial for this to be a top priority of the USPS.

I am encouraged by the USPS's recent coordination with the New York City Police Department to arrest six individuals charged with mail theft and fraud in Queens. I hope that partnerships with law enforcement and other relevant agencies continue, as they are vital in keeping our communities safe. I also urge the USPS to consider further initiatives to improve the security of relay boxes to decrease their vulnerability to theft. I have full faith in the USPS's ability to make necessary security upgrades as they did with the blue mailboxes in my district -- an effective initiative that I encouraged.

I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your response detailing a course of action to ensure that the mail of my constituents is secured.

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