Mail theft is an issue ABC13 has covered for years. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, it's a problem that's only growing.
Friday, May 8, 2026 12:58AMMail theft is an issue ABC13 has covered for years. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, it's a problem that's only growing.
For the last couple of weeks, postal inspectors have been teaming up with various law enforcement agencies to crack down on thieves targeting mail. One incident was captured on surveillance video in April at the Memorial Park Post Office in west Houston. The agency identified 23-year-old Terrance Griffin Jr. and 24-year-old Demetri Lambert as the suspects. Both are charged with felony offenses of mail theft and unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock.
A third suspect, identified as 29-year-old Lekie-Ken Kponi, is also facing charges related to alleged mail theft following a March 25 investigation into identity theft and stolen checks from theDuring an operation, postal inspectors say they found more than 80 pieces of mail and nine postal keys. Leaders with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service told ABC13 this is just one of many cases they've seen in the Houston area recently.
"We've seen a rising trend, like I've mentioned before. We are effectively combating that with our surge operations," Shameka Jackson, the inspector in charge of the Houston Division, said. Officials could not say how many cases they've seen, but said part of their plan for tackling mail theft includes raiding illegal game rooms.
"What we've learned is that this is where a lot of exchanges are made. And these last few weeks, we have seen counterfeit keys, documents with personally identifiable information on them," Jackson said. Officials say multiple arrests have been made in connection with the operation, but they could not provide a specific number. In early 2024, 13 Investigates found that only a small portion of complaints involving stolen mail led to arrests.
Data obtained from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service shows there were roughly 5,000 reports of stolen mail in 2023, but only 44 cases led to arrests in Harris County alone. As the agency continues surge operations, officials say they are taking measures to protect collection boxes and are urging people to stay vigilant.
"Across the 50 states, we've already made progress in deploying locks that have hardened those targets. And lastly, it's prevention, making sure the public understands how they can protect themselves," the spokesperson said. The agency says one simple thing you can do to protect yourself is to check your mail daily rather than delay it.
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