In response to the alarming rise in mail theft and postal carrier robberies, law enforcement officials have announced a successful crackdown, resulting in over 600 arrests since May. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been working diligently to address this growing issue, as criminals target both mailboxes and carriers' "arrow keys" to gain access to valuable items.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale emphasized the commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice, stating, "If you're attacking postal employees, if you steal the mail or commit other postal crimes, postal inspectors will bring you to justice."

The USPS's announcement comes amidst a series of rallies organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, advocating for better protection for carriers and tougher penalties for criminals who target them. These rallies have been taking place nationwide, including recent events in Denver and Houston.

This concerning trend has put postal carriers on high alert, as nearly 500 of them were robbed last year alone. Criminals have increasingly exploited stolen mail to commit financial crimes, such as check fraud.

Addressing the issue, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stated his dedication to ensuring the safety of those delivering mail, while also recognizing the importance of protecting the "sanctity of the nation's mail."

To combat these robberies, the USPS has initiated a process to replace tens of thousands of postal carriers' universal keys, which are highly sought after by criminals. These keys provide access to mailboxes and enable check fraud. The agency has already replaced 6,500 keys with electronic locks in select cities and plans to deploy an additional 42,500 keys. The exact number of arrow keys in service remains undisclosed.

In an effort to prevent mail theft, the Postal Service has installed over 10,000 high-security blue boxes in high-risk areas, aiming to deter break-ins and protect the integrity of mailed items.

Additionally, the USPS has implemented systematic changes that have proven effective in curbing fraudulent change-of-address transactions by an impressive 99.3% in the past fiscal year. The agency has also successfully reduced counterfeit postage by 50%.

The recent achievements of the USPS follow a critical report from its own watchdog, the Office of Inspector General. The report identified management shortcomings, including a lack of actionable milestones, accountability for staffing and training, and upgrades to carriers' universal keys.

Coordinated efforts led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, in collaboration with internal units and external law enforcement agencies, have focused on combating organized mail crime in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, and various locations in Ohio.

Of the 600-plus arrests made as part of "Operation Safe Delivery" since May, officials revealed that over 100 were related to robberies, while more than 530 were linked to mail theft.

The penalties for interfering with mail are severe. Theft alone can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years, while possession or disposal of postal property carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Assaulting a mail carrier, even for a first-time offense, can result in a 10-year sentence, with repeat offenders facing up to 25 years for such an assault.

The successful crackdown on postal crime by the USPS and law enforcement authorities is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of both mail carriers and the nation's mail system.