Letter carrier robberies continue as the US Postal Service, union and lawmakers seek solutions

Mar 13, 20240

Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press count

FILE - U.S. Postal Service trucks park outside a post office, Jan. 29, 2024, in Wheeling, Ill. The number of robberies of postal carriers grew again in 2023 and the number of injuries nearly doubled, even as the U.S. Postal Service launched crackdown aimed at addressing postal crime. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

When the U.S. Postal Service launched Project Safe Delivery last year, officials pledged they would be ''doubling down" on their efforts to combat growing rates of letter carrier robberies.

The crackdown has led to hundreds of arrests, and robberies slowed toward the end of the year. But, overall, the number of postal carriers who were robbed in 2023 rose again and the number who were injured nearly doubled as criminals continue to target carriers for their antiquated ''arrow keys'' that allow access to mailboxes.

This week, legislation is being introduced in Congress to accelerate the replacement of tens of thousands of mailbox keys, boost prosecutions and review sentencing guidelines.

https://www.startribune.com/letter-carrier-robberies-continue-as-usps-union-lawmakers-seek-solutions/600350367/