Dec. 7, 2023 By Rachel Butler
Queens Rep. Grace Meng applauded the announcement by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the United States Postal Service (USPS) that an audit of the postal system will be taking place in an effort to combat the increase mail theft occurring in Queens.
The announcement of the audit comes after Meng sent a letter to the OIG urging them to to investigate the issue of mail theft in her district, which includes the neighborhoods of Auburndale, Bayside, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Murray Hill and Rego Park.
Meng said that her constituents have voiced their concerns about the lack of safety of their mail for years and it is time for the issue to be resolved.
“I am proud to have catalyzed a response by OIG, ultimately leading to an audit that will investigate the mail theft problem plaguing our community. My constituents deserve the peace of mind and benefits that so many other Americans enjoy, knowing that their mail is safe,” Meng said. “This is a huge step in addressing the issue and I am honored to have spurred the start of this investigation on behalf of my constituents.”
This is the first time an audit aimed at mail safety will be conducted in Queens. The examination hopes to determine the level of security of mail in the borough.
Meng had previously sent letters to USPS officials in July and December 2022 demanding action to be taken to prevent mail theft in Queens.
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng is joined by the assistant inspector In charge for the New York division of the US Postal Inspection Service, John Del Guidance and Commanding Officer of the 104th Precinct Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman outside the U.S. Post Office at 55-02 69th St. in Maspeth in August 2023. Photo by Anthony Medina
Meng also advised the public on how best to protect their mail in August after residents in Maspeth compiled months worth of photo and video evidence of thieves taking their mail in June.
The estimated release date of the investigation report is currently scheduled for March of next year.