When we think of combating mail theft, the OIG’s investigative work usually comes to mind. Every day, our special agents use analytics tools and investigative methods to detect and stop internal mail theft throughout the Postal Service’s network. Last fiscal year, our Office of Investigations made 449 arrests and closed more than 1,600 cases related to mail theft. To learn more about some of our mail theft cases, check out our Investigative Case Highlights.

However, our auditors and research group also work to deter theft, looking for ways to make mail and packages less vulnerable to theft. Audit teams have visited delivery units across the country to see how the Postal Service responds to mail theft. Our most recent reports cover Houston and Sacramento. Auditors have also gone to Chicago, San Francisco, and Queens, NY.

During these audits, we examined how delivery units were rolling out new theft-prevention technologies such as high security collection boxes and electronic arrow locks. We also checked how well the office was keeping track of arrow keys (universal keys used to open collection boxes and other mail boxes) and reviewed the condition of USPS mailboxes including blue collection boxes and cluster boxes. When these boxes break or corrode, they become more vulnerable to mail theft. In addition to these local audits, we issued a nationwide audit in October assessing the Postal Service’s efforts to prevent and detect mail theft in processing facilities.

Last week, our research group published a white paper examining package theft in the United States. The paper describes strategies that retailers, delivery providers, and consumers can use to stop porch piracy. Examples include using real-time notifications to ensure parcels are picked up quickly and taking advantage of parcel lockers or other flexible delivery options. To learn more, listen to our OIG podcast on the paper.

Let us know what you think of the OIG’s mail theft work in the comments. If you suspect mail theft or other crime by a postal employee or contractor, report it through our Hotline.