Berkeley mail carrier robbed of postal keys
Mail theft that may have included ballots happened in Berkeley the same day — but there have been no reports of targeted ballot theft, USPS said.
The U.S. Postal Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for tips related to the robbery of a Berkeley mail carrier earlier this month.
The robbery happened Oct. 9 in the 2300 block of Jefferson Street near Bancroft Way, said U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet, an agency spokesman.
The mail carrier was leaning into the back of his truck shortly before 6 p.m. when three people in dark clothing wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts poked something into his back and demanded his keys.
The mail carrier complied, as per USPS policy, and the group left, running eastbound on Bancroft Way.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is now asking residents to check their security cameras for footage that may have captured the robbery or the culprits.
The agency asks anyone with tips to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
Tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for mail carrier robberies could garner a reward of up to $150,000.
Norfleet said robberies of postal workers have become increasingly common in the Bay Area since the pandemic, and seem to happen weekly now, if not more often.
Mail carriers "used to feel safe going into any neighborhood," Norfleet said. "They didn't worry about where they were going."
That has changed, he said: "Any carrier anywhere right now is just concerned that this might be the day they get robbed."
USPS encourages residents to keep an eye out for their mail carriers, including anyone who may be following them.
Editor’s desk
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is also investigating a report of mail theft in Berkeley that may have included ballots incidentally on the same day as the mail carrier robbery on Jefferson Street.
But there have been no reports of local ballots or other election materials being targeted for theft in Berkeley, the USPS said.
The agency advises anyone missing a ballot to contact the Secretary of State or the local registrar of voters for a replacement or to find out how to vote in person.
Have concerns about election mail security? Report them to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. You can also track your ballot online.
