INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Local authorities may be getting some help in their campaign against the plague of mail thefts.

Legislation has been offered in Congress that would double the maximum jail sentence for those convicted from 5-years to ten.

“The disturbing growth in mail theft in my district, and particularly the theft of cluster box units, must be stopped,” said Corona Republican Ken Calvert. “The criminals who steal mail to conduct identity theft or for other purposes need to face greater consequences for their actions,” he said.

Thieves have concentrated their efforts on curbside mail boxes, even those with locks. But more recently, mail has been stolen from Post Offices in Big Bear and Coachella.

Some local police agencies have stepped up to the plate making arrests based on witness accounts. The US Postal Service routinely accepts theft reports, but has done little to mount an offensive. “It’s a social problem”, Perris Postmaster Karen Boggs told an INT reporter.

Story Date: February 13, 2016