Deputies reported that two individuals were arrested following the vandalism of over 100 mailboxes in a neighborhood near Cypress

In Cypress, Texas, Vince Ulsh is anxiously awaiting his business’s W-2s and tax documents, even though tax season has already begun

Ulsh’s concerns stem from repeated thefts targeting the community mailbox in the Fairfield neighborhood of Cypress. Thieves, equipped with postal service keys, have been raiding mailboxes in the area.

Craig Conner, another resident, experienced theft a dozen times in the past month alone. Among the stolen items was a credit card, which was replaced but subsequently stolen again.

Last week, Cody Polanco and Tarah Hill were arrested by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office for their involvement in a series of mail thefts in Cypress. While it remains uncertain if they targeted Ulsh or Conner, Sugar Land police revealed that the suspects utilized USPS arrow keys to pilfer mail from 140 mailboxes at the Telfair Lofts apartments in December.

During a search of the couple’s hotel room in northwest Harris County, authorities discovered 50 driver’s licenses, counterfeit postal service arrow keys, and three bags filled with stolen mail.

Ulsh emphasized the grave risk posed by such thefts, as a single tax statement or W-2 could expose one’s entire identity.

According to a report from the USPS Office of Inspector General, mail thefts have been on the rise in the Houston area. In 2021, 128 cases were reported, followed by 155 cases in 2022.

Recent footage captured a witness confronting a mail theft suspect at a Galleria-area apartment complex.

In response to the ongoing thefts, Cypress residents are considering setting up a neighborhood watch and rotating shifts for monitoring the area.