Open mailbox mystery in Avalon Park
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The U.S. Postal Service says they're investigating, after several clusters of mailboxes were discovered unlocked and open in an Avalon Park subdivision.
Residents say they're worried about their mail, after finding the mailboxes unlocked on Monday afternoon.
"Anybody can come by and take it out," says Avalon Park resident Brenda Harris. "I'm not getting my mail and that's not the first time it's happened."
Two miles away from this neighborhood, another resident living at the Reserve at Golden Isle says these mailboxes were recently found open.
Carla Cowan says, "All the post office boxes were unlocked and open and immediately I grabbed a neighbor to stand watch."
She wants the U.S. Postal Service to address the situation.
"We have a problem, I don't know where the problem lies or if it's by accident. Too many people reported losing important pieces of mail so it's scary."
The U.S. Postal Service released this statement saying in part, "The Postal Service strives to provide the highest level of service at all times and we take the security and sanctity of the mail seriously. Local postal management has followed up to prevent this from occurring in the future. We extend our apologies for any inconvenience."
Carla says she's also missing important mail.
"I had cash inside that I won't ever see again. I had a check in there, but was able to get that check stopped."
Resident's hope the U.S. Postal Service delivers on their promise to find out what's happening.
"That's good, that's good that they're investigating and the mail carriers need to be more cautious."
A spokesperson at the U.S. Postal Service says appropriate action will be taken if an employee is involved.
Customers have a variety of options for contacting the Postal Service, including contacting their local Post Office, calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visiting their website. Customers who suspect mail theft from a CBU should contact the USPS Inspection Service, at 1-877-876-2455.