An investigation reveals that Texas has only 91 postal inspectors, despite receiving thousands of complaints about mail theft

Dale Langham, the President of Hobré USA, has been troubled by ongoing thefts from his business’s mailbox, where thieves have stolen thousands of dollars in checks. Surveillance videos clearly capture individuals driving up and breaking into the cluster mailbox, some even possessing a key that unlocks all the boxes.

Despite approximately 5,000 reports of mail theft in Harris County last year alone, an investigation by 13 Investigates uncovered only 44 arrests related to mail theft. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, responsible for investigating mail-related crimes, has 91 postal inspection law enforcement officers in Texas, according to records obtained through an open records request.

U.S. Congressman Randy Weber shared his own experience of having checks stolen from his campaign account, with the altered amount cashed for a significantly higher sum. Despite filing a complaint with the post office, Weber’s concerns were left unanswered.

In response to mounting complaints, Congressman Weber introduced a bill requiring the USPS to provide an annual report to Congress for better oversight. He emphasized the need for accountability within the USPS, especially given the limited resources allocated to investigating mail theft.

Silvia Torres, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, previously declined to disclose the number of officers dedicated to investigating mail theft in Houston. Records reveal that only 37 percent of postal inspectors worked on mail theft cases in fiscal year 2022. While Torres stressed the importance of investigating mail theft, she acknowledged that not every victim might be contacted.

Despite the challenges, the USPS urges customers to report information to their hotline rather than local authorities. However, many victims, including Langham, are left waiting for resolution, fearing that without a thorough investigation, the thieves will continue to target mailboxes with impunity.

Congressman Weber emphasized the importance of addressing issues faced by small businesses relying on USPS services, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to combat mail theft.