Aguilar pushes faster USPS response to mail theft in Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. — Mailbox theft and vandalism continue to frustrate Inland Empire residents and businesses, as reports of stolen mail, damaged boxes and delayed repairs persist across the region.

Standing outside the Redlands Post Office on Tuesday, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) highlighted new federal efforts intended to push the United States Postal Service to respond more quickly to theft and vandalism complaints while strengthening protections for mail carriers.

The announcement comes as residents and businesses continue to report problems with stolen mail and long waits for mailbox repairs, issues Community Forward Redlands previously documented in 2023.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Aguilar said he secured language in the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government funding bill urging the United States Postal Service to respond more quickly to mailbox theft and vandalism and to notify victims sooner so they can take steps to protect their finances and personal information.

The measure passed through committee with bipartisan support.

“Whether you live in an apartment building or a house, people in the Inland Empire deserve to receive their letters and packages safely and on time,” Aguilar said. “I’ve heard from countless constituents, law enforcement and mail carriers about their frustrations with mail theft and the risks it poses to our community.”

Aguilar also promoted the bipartisan Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, which seeks to strengthen protections for postal workers facing robberies and assaults while delivering mail.

“I'll keep fighting for these policies until they become law so everyone in our region can send, receive and deliver mail securely and without delay,” Aguilar said.

The issue has been a persistent concern locally. In 2023, Community Forward Redlands reported on local business owners experiencing repeated mailbox vandalism, delayed mail delivery and lengthy repair timelines after thefts. At the time, postal officials cited contractor shortages and funding constraints contributing to delays in replacing damaged mailboxes.

At Tuesday’s event, Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber urged residents to take preventive steps and report thefts quickly.

“Residents can help prevent theft by retrieving mail daily and as soon as possible after delivery, since mail left unattended creates greater opportunities for theft,” Tolber said.

She also encouraged residents traveling out of town to place temporary mail holds through USPS and stressed the importance of timely reporting.

“Preventing mail theft requires a strong partnership between local police, the United States Postal Service, legislators, and the community,” Tolber said.

Brian L. Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, also praised Aguilar’s support for federal protections for postal workers.

“Mail security starts with protecting the dedicated, hardworking letter carriers who deliver it,” Renfroe said.

The full press conference is available to watch on YouTube.

This article was written based off a media release from the office of Rep. Pete Aguilar.