Postal workers demand USPS take action to stop widespread robberies

Mail carriers nationwide are warning of a rise in robberies against them and urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to intervene to protect them on their routes.

Robberies on mail carriers have exploded in recent years, more than quadrupling over the past decade, according to the Associated Press, which obtained such statistics via a records request to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In 2022, there were 496 robberies that resulted in 31 injuries to postal carriers.

In light of the surge, union representatives are demanding the agency take action to address the mounting thefts and ensure the safety of its workers. 

"The National Association of Letter Carriers is outraged and angered by the assaults, armed robberies and even murders that America’s letter carriers increasingly face as they deliver the mail," said union Executive Vice President Paul Barner. "These attacks are completely unacceptable."

"While we will continue to engage with the Postal Service and relevant law enforcement agencies to develop measures that will enhance the safety of letter carriers, the fear and the danger that letter carriers are confronting has to end," he continued.

The outlet cited numerous examples of armed thefts against mail carriers that occurred in 2022, in particular highlighting the case of Milwaukee, Wisc., mailman Aundre Cross, whom a gunman fatally shot during the incident.

The USPS is reportedly implementing measures to tighten security at collection boxes.

USPS spokesperson Dave Partenheimer said the agency will "continue to adapt to evolving security threats and implement expanded measures to safeguard our employees and preserve the security of the mail that our customers expect and deserve," according to the AP.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.