LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported a recent decline in letter carrier robberies and mail-theft complaints nationwide, but incidents continue in the Las Vegas Valley.
Letter carrier robberies dropped 19% year-over-year nationwide, while mail-theft complaints fell 34%. Arrests in letter-carrier robbery cases increased 73% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to postal officials.
The improvements follow the launch of “Project Safe Delivery” in May 2023 and significant investments in mail security technology.
Security upgrades target high-crime areas
USPS has made substantial investments in physical mail security, hardening blue collection boxes to make them more difficult to break into. Since 2023, tens of thousands of hardened blue boxes and electronic locking mechanisms have been deployed in high postal crime areas, with 28,000 installed.
Many traditional arrow locks have been replaced with electronic locks. Officials plan to roll out more than 42,000 electronic locks nationwide.
Las Vegas sees continued mail crime activity
Las Vegas has experienced mail-related incidents in recent years. LVMPD recorded around 600 mail-theft and carrier-assault incidents last year. The National Association of Letter Carriers reports 30 carriers attacked or robbed in the Las Vegas Valley over the past three years.
Complaint data shows activity across the valley, with higher complaint totals reported in ZIP codes 89131, 89135, 89149, 89052, and 89118 in a recent 12-month window.
Holiday safety recommendations
The Postal Inspection Service recommends several steps for households, especially during the holidays:
- Promptly pick up mail and don’t leave letters or packages in mailboxes or at doors
- Contact senders immediately if checks, credit cards or other valuables don’t arrive
- Use more secure options instead of mailing cash
- Arrange for prompt pickup if not home, or use USPS Hold Mail Service
- Select Hold for Pickup when shipping so recipients collect at their Post Office
- Request Signature Confirmation for important items
- File a change of address if moving and notify financial institutions
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service was not able to provide recent local mail theft data but said mail theft locally continues to be an issue for the local community.
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