Rep. Panetta Introduces Legislation to Better Protect Against Rising Mail Theft
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced bipartisan legislation to address the nationwide increase in mail theft. The legislation is co-led by Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). The Maximizing Agency Integration on Letter Theft Act, or MAIL Theft Act, requires cross-agency coordination on the issue of mail theft and raises it as a priority for federal law enforcement.
While the United States Postal Service (USPS) and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) have increased enforcement and arrests, these crimes are spread out across local communities where police are already stretched thin. According to USPS and USPIS, as of March 12, arrests for robbing letter carriers were up 73 percent. Between 2019 and 2022, letter carrier robberies increased sixfold, and high-volume mailbox theft increased 87 percent. This month, a letter carrier was beaten in Palo Alto after thieves stole his arrow key, the device used to open consolidated mailbox units. In November, a San Jose letter carrier was robbed at gunpoint for an arrow key. More than 30 letter carriers were robbed in the Bay Area in 2023.
The MAIL Theft Act requires federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), to work with state and local law enforcement to better protect our communities from postal theft and develop a coordinated federal approach to mail theft which is targeting neighborhoods nationwide.
“My constituents in California’s 19th Congressional District and communities around the country have been repeatedly victimized by coordinated, repeated mass mail theft,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “Our bipartisan MAIL Theft Act would ensure federal agencies are backing up our local enforcement with a coordinated federal response to this latest wave of crime. Our postal service is one of our country’s oldest and proudest traditions, and Americans deserve peace of mind in knowing that this system is safe and reliable.”
“Americans shouldn’t have to worry whether they’ll get their mail safely and on time. Unfortunately, rising mail theft crimes have left communities in danger and postal workers concerned for their safety on the job,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The MAIL Theft Act allows for increased information sharing and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat rising mail theft, hold these criminals accountable, and protect the integrity of our postal system. I’m glad to work with Rep. Panetta on this commonsense, bipartisan bill that boosts public safety in our California communities and across the nation.”
On May 16, 2024, Rep. Panetta wrote to Postmaster Louis Dejoy and USPIS Chief Inspector Gary Barksdale to request assistance in resolving egregious mail theft taking place in California’s 19th Congressional District. Rep. Panetta called on postal leaders to prioritize mail theft deterrence in South San Jose including the approval of individual curbside mailboxes, new physical security standards for cluster box units, and clarity on a nationwide strategy to address this epidemic. Rep. Panetta is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan Protect Our Letter Carriers Act which would appoint an assistant U.S. attorney to prosecute postal crime, amend sentencing guidelines related to the assault of a postal employee, and replace old mail collection boxes with high-security models.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Congressman Panetta for his commitment towards addressing the issue of mail theft.,” said San Jose District 8 Councilmember Domingo Candelas. “As the Councilmember representing East San Jose & Evergreen, I have heard from many residents who are frustrated with these crimes. I am grateful for this legislation which offers hope for stronger protections and a safer community for all.”
“Mail theft is a serious crime that frequently results in identity theft, check fraud, and other financial crimes,” said Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen. “This bill will improve federal coordination and provide support for state and local law enforcement agencies, helping us better protect our communities.”
“Like most major cities, San Jose is not immune to the increase in mail theft and attacks on our mail carriers,” said San Jose Acting Chief of Police Paul Joseph. “A coordinated effort with our federal partners will ensure we can better utilize available resources to reduce mail theft and it’s violent evolution.”
“Key to addressing organized crimes, like postal theft, is coordination amongst federal, state and local law enforcement. This legislation will help ensure the relevant federal agencies work with law enforcement to address a crime that continues to impact communities throughout our country,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
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