LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Postal Inspectors are investigating a series of 'dock thefts' at two Henderson post office locations which could affect thousands of customers.
A postal inspector says two locations, one at 404 S. Boulder Highway, and another at 1575 Horizon Ridge Parkway have reported someone is stealing plastic trays of mail, potentially holding between two and three thousand letter-sized pieces of mail from restricted areas.
"It's quite unusual," said Liz Davis, postal inspector with the Phoenix Division.
"It's pretty bold to go into a restricted space, a back dock is typically in a gated area that is restricted to employees only," added Davis.
Sources say the thefts occurred on Monday, April 15, April 8, and Saturday, April 6.
Multiple sources say the thefts involved multiple routes and multiple bins which could equal as many as 45,000 pieces of letter-sized mail.
"It's an unfortunate thing, inspectors are actively looking into this matter," said Davis.
"The Post Office is reporting it to inspectors when they have seen this happening," added Davis.
The postal inspector says the thefts happened after the mail was delivered from the central sorting plant, but before letter carriers arrived for their shifts at their local post office locations.
The plastic sorting bins were left outside as a means to expedite delivery, sources said.
Since the thefts, the bins have been moved inside the buildings.
"Some facilities have more room inside than others to push [the bins] into the facility," said Davis.
Davis said it was unclear how many routes have been affected but urges customers of both locations to be vigilant with potential theft-related fraud.
Investigators do have a vehicle description but so far no suspects.
You can report tips by calling the Postal Inspector mail theft hotline at 1-877-876-2455.
You can also check to see which post office services your area by clicking here.
Those responsible could face local and federal charges which include up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
