Austin Police Combat Rising Mail Theft

Austin Police say they are taking steps to combat a rise in mail theft seen in the city over the past several years.

“It’s a little bit irritating because it’s such a low crime, but people are doing it all the time.” Max Bruce, who lives near the University of Texas at Austin, said.

Personal Encounters with Mail Theft

Bruce says he remembers hearing about a mail theft across the street last year, where two suspects allegedly took mail from more than 30 mailboxes at the Villas on Guadalupe apartments.

“I have a friend who lives here,” Bruce said. “I heard, kind of, inklings about it.”

In fact, he’s had two packages stolen from him in recent months.

“Not only three minutes after it got delivered, it was stolen,” Bruce said. “And a few weeks after that, my moving supplies that my mom sent me got stolen.”

Understanding the Escalation: Statistics and Perspectives

Austin Police says between 2022 and 2023, there’s been a nearly 30-percent rise in reports of mail theft, a trend which continued into 2024. Mario Guerra calls it a terrible crime of opportunity.

“I can’t really, like, wrap my head around why somebody would want to do that, but definitely it does happen,” Bruce said.

APD’s Comprehensive Strategy to Address Theft

APD says it hopes its Community Connect meetings across the city will lead to dialogue that they can use to increase patrols in impacted areas, or install more physical security if necessary, like lights or cameras.

“I think with the lights, that’s definitely something that’s necessary, I would say, especially in a big city like Austin,” Guerra said.

APD also announced it will be launching a webpage with resources for victims of mail theft, such as how to report the crime. There will also be a social media campaign with tips on how the public can protect itself.

“They’re doing something and I hope that it does deter more people, but I feel like it’ll also sort of like increase awareness in this in our society,” Guerra said.