Lujan Grisham Announces new Postal Inspectors to help prevent mail theft in Albuquerque

Press Release

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Postal Service responded to her request to add two more postal inspectors to the Albuquerque office to help prevent and investigate mail theft.

"This is great news for the Albuquerque neighborhoods that have experienced mailbox break-ins," Rep. Lujan Grisham said. "These break-ins are a major problem, especially for elderly, disabled and low-income residents who may have significant difficulties traveling to the nearest post office to pick up their mail or prescriptions drugs.

"I appreciate the action of the Chief Postal Inspector who recognized, and moved to address the concerns I brought to him from neighborhood leaders in Albuquerque."

Rep. Lujan Grisham met with Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell in June 2016 after hearing from homeowners representing the West Side Coalition of Neighborhoods about mailbox theft.

"On behalf of the West Side Coalition of Neighborhood Associations and their Homeowner and Neighborhood Associations members, I would like to express our thanks for the addition of another Postal Inspector for New Mexico," said Jerry Worrall, president of the coalition. "We all need to work together to get this crime eliminated. The West Side Coalition and our partners in the Inter-Coalition of Neighborhood Associations are looking forward to working with all of Inspectors and stand ready to help where and when we can. It would be helpful to stress to everyone to empty their mailbox every day. Thieves can't steal what is not there."

The Postal Service was replacing older neighborhood delivery collection box units with high security boxes in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. The Postal Service also pledged to take other measures to prevent mail theft.

Rep. Lujan Grisham urged the Postal Inspector to assign additional postal inspectors in Albuquerque. The Congresswoman was notified that a postal inspection supervisor has started work in Albuquerque, and an additional inspector will start work in June.

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