The Dark Side of Postal Work: Tales of Mail Theft and the Consequences

Working as a postal worker presents a unique mix of community service and vulnerability. Over the years, I've witnessed numerous instances of mail theft, some of which have involved dire consequences. In this article, I share my experiences and insights to highlight the issues that plague the postal industry and how these crimes are typically dealt with.

Mail Theft Incidents in the Post Office

My tenure as a postal worker spans over three decades, during which I've encountered several cases of mail theft. Two specific incidents stand out in my memory.

Incident 1: A New Employee Stealing Mother's Day Cards

Approximately 20 years ago, a newly hired clerk was found stealing Mother's Day cards. Her modus operandi was to tear open the envelopes and take the contents, but leave the cards in the torn envelopes. It transpired that she was a drug user and struggling with addiction. When discovered, she was promptly arrested, fired, and married to a state trooper. This case was notable for its swift resolution and the involvement of law enforcement.

Incident 2: A Nicely Behaved Employee Stealing Parcels

Another case involved a drug user who stole parcels and cards, often looking for items to resell and use the money to purchase drugs. This person was a friendly and sociable individual, which made their theft more surprising. One day, law enforcement intervened and apprehended this employee during a workday. Due to the nature of the incident, they were undoubtedly terminated from their position.

Mail Theft from Home and Office Dumpsters

During my downtime, I encountered two more instances of mail theft, but this time from home and office environments.

Incident 3: Mail in a Home Office Dumpster

I noticed that a trash dumpster at my apartment building contained bundles of mail. After reporting it to the appropriate authorities through an 800 number, they did not take immediate action. When I checked the dumpster again the next day, the mail was still there. Unfortunately, the perpetrator was never caught, leading to the belief that the authorities didn't take the report seriously.

Incident 4: A Processing Plant Mail Robbery

After relocating to a processing plant, I observed a coworker stealing parcels. He would transfer the stolen items to his car using a plastic bag. I approached my supervisor, who did not believe me, claiming I was being vindictive. Eventually, I reported the theft to the union, which had a faint idea about the individual in question. They advised against making any further accusations, fearing retaliation. To this day, I do not know if the perpetrator was identified or caught.

The Realities of Postal Work and Mail Theft

Over the course of my career as a carrier for over 25 years, I have witnessed two cases where employees stole mail with the intention of not having to work their hours. These individuals faced severe consequences, including federal prison sentences.

Case 1: Mail Theft for Not Working

One instance involved an employee who stole mail to avoid working their required hours. After the theft was discovered, the individual was caught, prosecuted, and served federal prison time. This individual had 23 years of service and was just a year away from retirement due to age. However, instead of retirement, they continued to serve their sentence for 15 years.

Case 2: Mail Hidden in a Shed

Theft was also found in a shed on the property of the second individual, who had also hidden the mail to avoid working. The mail was recovered as part of the investigation, and the individual was prosecuted and sentenced to federal prison.

The Statistics and Consequences of Postal Theft

Based on my experiences, it appears that every case of mail theft as an employee has been caught. This high rate of detection can be attributed to the advancements in technology and the vigilance of customers who notice missing mail.

Having said that, the consequences for these crimes are severe. Postal workers are largely aware that indulging in such activities does not pay. The fear of repercussions, including legal actions and termination, serves as a strong deterrent.

Concluding Thoughts on Postal Work

As a postal worker, I have seen the good aspects of our job, but I have also witnessed the negative side of things, including mail theft. The experiences shared here reflect a situation where the risk of getting caught deters potential thieves. However, it is essential for the postal services to continue to implement measures that prevent such incidents and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.