USPS investigating break-in to collection boxes at Pelham Post Office

PELHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Pelham Police Department are investigating a break-in to the USPS collection boxes at the Pelham Post Office which occurred sometime between the evening of Saturday, Feb. 4 and the morning of Monday, Feb. 6.

At this time, it is not known what was taken from the boxes.

Back in December, we reported a large hole was cut into the sides of two collection boxes near the Riverchase Galleria. The USPS continues to investigate that incident as well.

We spoke with frequent customer Amy Watts about how these break-ins affect her using the post office.

“As a business owner, we drop off our mail all the time and we felt safe with our mail being dropped off at the post office, however, hearing that people are breaking into the boxes makes me really nervous as a business owner that our mail isn’t getting to our clients as well as our payments for different things,” Watts said. “This is concerning that this is happening in our area.”

The postal service says mail theft most often occurs in the overnight hours when there are fewer people around to witness it. If you notice anyone hanging around a blue collection box in the evening/early morning hours, call the local police immediately, then report it to Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455.

Postal inspectors recommend checking your mailbox every day and removing your mail as promptly as possible. The longer your mail sits in any mailbox, the more susceptible it is to theft.

If you are a victim of mail theft, you should report it to your local police and to the Postal Inspection Service by 877-876-2455 or visiting www.USPIS.gov/report.

If you are a witness to mail theft or have knowledge of mail theft related activity, Postal inspectors ask that you provide your tips by calling 877-876-2455 or visiting www.USPIS.gov.

Mail theft is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and substantial fines.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.

Copyright 2023 WBRC. All rights reserved.