Riverside Residents Outraged Over Mail Thefts

Residents at an apartment complex in Riverside are outraged they haven't had mail delivery in more than a month after somebody broke into their mailboxes.

The case is the latest in a series of mail thefts in the area, forcing many apartment operators to install new, more secure mailboxes.

Damage to this bank of community mailboxes shows how thieves were able to pry off the metal back and get away with mail belonging to about 75 residents at the Meadows and Terrace apartment complexes on Diana Avenue in Riverside.

Residents say the break-ins happened more than a month ago, and they're upset because they've had to pick up their mail at the post office ever since.

"It's such a hassle. We have to go stand in line for a long time," said marie Denison "It's a pain."

The U.S. Postal Service says the mailboxes belong to the property owners and it's up to them to replace them.

A spokesperson for the property owner on Friday says new mailboxes were ordered and just arrived.

One bank was installed Friday. The other will be ready next Friday.

New concrete has to be poured because they're moving the mailboxes to a more secure area. They're doing everything they can to prevent another break in.

"We do have cameras and lighting and a security guard that comes from 9 to 5," said Rosalind Camacho, Investments Concepts regional supervisor. "I don't know what to do."

Postal worker Tom Quach is installing locks on the new mailboxes that were just put in at the Terrace apartments.

He says there have been so many break-ins over the past two years, his job has changed from mail carrier to full-time locksmith, working on new, sturdier mailboxes.

"These are heavy duty ones, so it's harder for them to open these boxes," he said. "Everyone is changing to new ones now."

USPS says there are precautions you can take to avoid being a victim. Pick up your mail everyday and use official blue mail boxes for outgoing mail.
 

Contact Us