Feds open mail theft investigation at New Lenox post office

A mail theft investigation is underway at the New Lenox post office on Vine Street, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Details on the investigation were scarce as of Friday and it’s unclear when it began or what exactly led to it.

On Thursday, Spencer Block, public information officer for U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said their office was “aware of the report out of New Lenox and have initiated a mail theft investigation.”

“As there is an ongoing investigation into this matter, I cannot provide further specifics at this time,” Block said.

Block confirmed the post office at 300 Vine St. is “the address where a mail theft investigation is underway.”

Block said he couldn’t release any further information “pertaining to subjects or other pertinent investigative details.”

New Lenox Deputy Police Chief Micah Nuesse told the Herald-News that their department is not involved in any investigation of mail theft at the post office.

The FBI’s public affairs team in Chicago referred questions to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Neither Nuesse nor Block had any information as to why mailboxes at the New Lenox post office were taped off with tape that said, “Caution chemical hazard.”

Block wanted to the public to know that if a postal customer falls victim to a mail theft or identity theft, they should immediately file a report with local law enforcement, file a report with the Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455, and closely monitor their financial accounts and credit profiles “to get ahead of any fraudulent activity.”

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducts investigations into mail theft, mail fraud, financial crimes, violent crimes and prohibited mailings of items such as weapons and drugs, according to Block.

“We are the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the country, and we strive to ensure the integrity and public trust of the U.S. mail,” Block said.

Block said the success of their investigations often correlates with the timeliness of victims reporting crimes.

“I would urge any victim of mail theft to contact local law enforcement and the Postal Inspection Service as soon as possible so we can better investigate the crime and hold those responsible to justice,” Block said.