Security concerns persist as mail theft complaints top 800,000 nationwide
Authorities say criminals are using several methods to steal mail. In addition to obtaining Postal Service Arrow Keys, thieves have also used so-called "mail fishing" techniques, inserting adhesive-covered devices into collection boxes to pull mail out through narrow openings.
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More than 800,000 mail theft complaints were reported nationwide between 2023 and 2025, raising questions about the security of a system millions of Americans rely on every day.
The United States Postal Service has long been considered one of the country's most trusted institutions. But a surge in mail theft cases is causing some customers to rethink that trust.
Authorities say criminals are using several methods to steal mail. In addition to obtaining Postal Service Arrow Keys, thieves have also used so-called "mail fishing" techniques, inserting adhesive-covered devices into collection boxes to pull mail out through narrow openings.
Over the summer, Suffolk County prosecutors announced the arrests of three people accused of participating in a $5 million mail-fishing operation that allegedly targeted 20 ZIP codes.
In response to those allegations, News 12 visited post offices in 10 of the affected communities and found visible surveillance cameras at only two locations: Smithtown and Brentwood.
Seeking more information, News 12 filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service asking for the number of surveillance cameras installed at Long Island post offices.
The agency denied the request, stating that releasing the information would disclose law enforcement techniques and procedures.
The response has done little to ease customer concerns.
"If there's going to be issues with people stealing things, they definitely should have cameras," said Commack resident Randi Chisari.
