A multi-agency mail theft operation in Sacramento and San Joaquin counties has resulted in numerous arrests and recovered property. Previously, area Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09) had called for a crackdown on mail theft in the Valley, especially in light of this being the busiest mail delivery season of the year. The recent operation, led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, resulted in hundreds of pieces of stolen mail and packages being recovered, including credit cards, checks, and postal box master keys.

Mail theft is a surging problem in the Valley – more than 200 residents have reached out to Harder’s office expressing concern over mail theft in their community, including stolen master keys which cause entire neighborhoods to be vulnerable to systematic attack. In response, Harder sent a letter to the U.S Postal Service and USPIS in September and met with agency leaders in October to call for the anti-mail theft initiative, Project Safe Delivery, to be expanded to Stockton, and this ongoing operation is part of that initiative.

“This time of year is supposed to be about celebrating with family, not worrying about if your packages, checks, and identity is being stolen,” said Rep. Harder. “That’s why I called for a crackdown on these criminals and for Project Safe Delivery to be brought to the Valley. I’m grateful for the ongoing efforts of USPIS to make our community a priority, and I look forward to continuing to work with our local and regional partners in delivering the public safety that our families deserve.”

Law enforcement agencies from across the Valley participated in the operation, which ranged from active patrols, surveillance, interviews, residential searches, and arrests, and included the Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento County Probation Department, Stockton Police Department, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, San Joaquin County Probation Department, and Rancho Cordova Police Department.

“This operation demonstrates the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s dedication to protecting USPS employees, preventing mail theft and violent crimes, and enforcing the law to maintain the safety and security of the U.S. Mail,” said Stephen Sherwood, inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s San Francisco Division. “The Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners will continue to pursue criminals who victimize and defraud our community.” 

Harder is also working to bring more mail security investments to the Valley, including installing high-security electronic locks and improving master key protection and tracking efforts.