Thieves steal mail from 3 USPS trucks within 2 hours on Northwest, West sides: Chicago police

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Local and federal investigations are underway Tuesday after mail was stolen from three U.S. Postal trucks on Monday.

Chicago police issued a community alert describing the mail thefts happening in the Portage Park neighborhood's 4300-block of North Milwaukee Avenue between 4:05 and 4:20 p.m., then in the Jefferson Park neighborhood's 6300-block of West Strong Street at 4:21 p.m. and in the South Austin neighborhood's 900-block of South Mayfield Avenue at 5:45 p.m.

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The U.S. Postal Inspection Service calls these crimes of opportunity as the carriers were out of their vehicles delivering mail at the time.

"Enough is enough. Something has to be done," said National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 11 President Elise Foster.

Foster said although carriers were not approached in Monday's incidents, a carrier was robbed at gunpoint on North Lockwood on the previous Monday.

"When she got up to them, she was like, 'Hey, what's going on?' It kind of startled her, so she took herself out of harm's way. She was nervous, and she was upset," Foster said.

"We are looking for deterrence," said National Association of Letter Carriers Assistant Secretary Treasurer Mack Julion.

Julion said he is eager to see movement on local and national legislation to make it safer for carriers. He said at a time when the public is relying even more on USPS for mail, retail and medications, crime against carriers can impact service.

"It's a very traumatic incident for some. They are not quite the same. Some don't return to their routes right away and some never return," Julion said.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Office is drafting a letter to share with customers who may be impacted by the recent thefts. There is a reward of up to $100,000 for information about the crimes.

Additionally, the agency suggests customers sign up for informed delivery to track items out for delivery.

In each instance, two men wearing hoodies, face masks and blue plastic gloves parked near the USPS vehicle, broke the passenger window and stole mail and packages. They took off in a white SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8253 or Area Five Detectives at 312 746-7394.

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