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Press Release

Rep. Bera Responds to Troubling U.S. Postal Service Inspector General Mail Theft Audit Report; Demands Accountability and Swift Action

The audit uncovered serious deficiencies in how local postal facilities track, secure, and inspect mailboxes, particularly highlighting severe gaps in oversight of arrow key usage.

Sacramento, CA, March 27, 2025

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) responded to a newly released U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit report on mail theft — a report he formally requested following widespread complaints from Sacramento County residents about ongoing theft and vandalism of their mail.

The audit uncovered serious deficiencies in how local postal facilities track, secure, and inspect mailboxes, particularly highlighting severe gaps in oversight of arrow key usage. 

"Despite extensive collaborative efforts from my office with USPS and USPIS to address the persistent concerns raised by constituents, the findings of this audit are completely unacceptable," said Representative Bera. "The audit identified serious systemic issues including missing and unaccounted-for arrow keys, inadequate oversight and a troubling lack of mandatory inspections. The Postal Service must immediately implement the Inspector General's recommendations to restore public trust and ensure that Sacramento County residents have the secure and reliable mail services they deserve."

The OIG audit focused on three postal facilities in Sacramento County:

  • Sacramento Main Post Office (Royal Oaks Dr)

  • Fort Sutter Station (Alhambra Blvd)

  • Rancho Cordova Post Office (Progress Ct)

Key Findings Include:

  • “The Sacramento Main Post Office, Fort Sutter Station, and Rancho Cordova Main Post Office did not properly track their arrow key inventories.”

  • “There is no tracking mechanism in place that distinguishes whether a CBU is postal-owned or privately owned.” 

  • “Local management at the Sacramento Main Post Office, Fort Sutter Station, and Rancho Cordova Main Post Office did not perform the annual safety inspections for the condition of blue collection boxes, CBUs, and green relay boxes.”

The report outlines why these failures occurred, their impact on the community, and specific steps for corrective action. The OIG has also issued implementation deadlines and will require proof of compliance.

Congressman Bera’s office will closely monitor the Postal Service’s progress in addressing these critical issues and will continue advocating on behalf of Sacramento County residents to ensure their mail is delivered securely and on time. 

You can find the full audit report here.