12/18/24 – Brooklyn, NY—This week, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) met with representatives from the United States Postal Service (USPS) to address the disturbing increase in mail, check, identity theft cases, and drop boxes being removed within New York’s Congressional 9th District. In November, Rep. Clarke sent a letter to the Brooklyn Postmaster General raising concerns over the increase in constituent complaints to her District office.

“The USPS indicated the spike in mail theft increased during the pandemic as stimulus checks were being distributed. In the past four years, my district office has recorded over 140 mail and check theft cases from October 2020-24 – causing significant financial hardships for my constituents. Identity theft and fraud have become major concerns, as stolen checks and personal information are exploited, complicating economic recovery and decreasing a sense of security for victims,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“The surge in theft has disrupted the daily lives of my constituents and eroded the community’s trust and confidence in mail services throughout the district. I want to commend the USPS for its response, and for highlighting plans for 2025 to implement electronic mailboxes in high-crime areas to reduce theft. I also commend its efforts to seek a partnership with the American Banker Association that would provide resources and strategies to inform the public and businesses on how to prevent, protect, and report mail-related crimes. In addition, the USPS will work with the New York Police Department (NYPD) to enhance local crime prevention efforts.

“However, I’m still concerned about the lack of immediate security efforts within our community and the financial toll that these crimes are causing my constituents. My staff and I are committed to working closely with the USPS to monitor mail theft by conducting monthly check-ins with personnel and updating the district on our efforts to get this issue resolved.”