No, Clovis Post Office mailboxes weren’t removed for political reasons, officials say
The United States Postal Service is investigating a mail theft case that occurred earlier this spring at the Clovis Post Office, which led to the removal of two drop-off boxes.
Jeff Fitch, a federal postal inspector with the USPS, said that the theft investigation was active this week.
As a result, the Clovis office boxes were removed by maintenance staff, and a large mail drop-off container was left. The removal happened in late spring, but it gained attention in recent days from residents who visit the office. A Fresno Bee reader submitted a photo showing the missing boxes.
This summer, mailbox removal gained attention from people across the country who reported mailboxes being removed from their cities.
The concern was partly due to allegations that the federal government was removing the boxes for political motives. However, USPS officials have said that the boxes were removed due to a slowing of mail during the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of funding challenges, box removals drew concern since mail-in voting is likely to become more prevalent due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials have stressed that residents should have confidence in mail-in voting. The Federal Post Master General said in a statement this month that the postal service will have “standby resources” with the expected demand of mail during the election.
“There is nothing (political). This is just purely security. What we’re trying to do is protect the people from mail theft,” said Fitch.
The number to report a possible crime is 877-876-2455. The federal crime of stealing mail has a penalty of five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
There is also a $10,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest related to mail theft.
Clovis residents who would like to report suspicious circumstances regarding mail can also call the local police department’s non-emergency phone line: 559-324-2800.
