The below is a press release from the United States Postal Inspector Services regarding mail theft arrests in Burien. While this does not necessarily pertain to Auburn, the information and tips provided are important.
Mail theft and mailbox break-ins have been occurring throughout Auburn. If your mail has been stolen or your mailbox has been broken into, please ensure to contact the proper authorities.
In the last week of April 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, in partnership with Burien Police Department, conducted a proactive mail theft operation targeting the Burien, WA area in an effort to prevent and reduce mail theft.
In the early morning hours of April 28, 2020, Inspectors and Burien PD responded to the 11000 block of Roseberg Ave. in Burien to a report of an active mail theft. Two suspects were identified and interviewed, and a large volume of stolen mail and other stolen items were recovered from their vehicle. Both suspects were arrested and booked into King County Jail on outstanding warrants, as well as Investigation of Theft 2nd Degree. Additional charges may be referred as the investigation continues.
“Mail theft is an attack on one of the most fundamental services within our community” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti, “no matter the situation, we are working around the clock with our law enforcement partners to bring these suspects to justice.”
Inspectors are working with Burien PD and King County Sheriff’s Office on a separate mail theft case stemming from a search warrant where over 1500 pieces of mail and other identity documents were recovered. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Mail Theft Prevention
Tips for protecting yourself from becoming a victim of mail theft:
- Pick up your mail as soon as you can (don’t leave it out overnight).
- Use a mail hold if you are going to be out of town.
- Not home in time, ask a friend or trusted neighbor to pick it up for you.
- If your mail is stolen, report it: uspis.gov or 877-876-2455.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is the law enforcement branch of the US Postal Service. We are federal law enforcement agents that investigate crimes related to the misuse of the mail system and postal facilities. We carry firearms, execute federal search warrants, subpoenas, and make arrests.
Most people think of US Postal Inspectors as mild-mannered geeks who take reports. WRONG. They are more like FBI agents and carry weapons. They are cops all the way, and Federal cops at that. Trust me on something. You get put in front of a Federal judge in Seattle on a mail theft charge, you could go away to the Big House for several years easily. Federal judges don’t like you doing that, and they will make sure to teach you a lesson. They pass out prison time like you pass out candy at Halloween.