Buffalo Mail Carriers Robbed At Gunpoint In Alarming Trend

Who knew being a mail carrier was this dangerous? I mean, we all know there's the potential that a United States Postal Service employee could be chased by a dog, but robbed? Five mail carriers have been robbed on the job in Western New York within the past month!

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Warning: Do Not Use Blue USPS Mailboxes In WNY

The USPS has previously warned WNYers not to put certain items in the iconic blue mailboxes found on the streets. With the holidays coming up, many people will be mailing gifts to friends and family in and outside of New York. Unfortunately, the holidays are also when thieves and scammers get busy. Due to the increase in scams and thefts during the holiday season, the United States Postal Service has issued some warnings for customers who may use their iconic blue mailboxes.

Tips To Keep Your Mail Safe

- Don't drop mail in a blue mailbox after the posted mail pick-up time
- Deposit mail in a blue box right before the last collection time
- Drop off mail that includes checks into a secure box at your local post office
- Do not mail cash

5 Mail Carriers Robbed In WNY

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Per WKBW, there have been five robberies within the past 25 days, between mid-November and December. The thieves are not actually targeting the mail, at least not directly, according to David J. Grosskopf Jr., President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 3. They are stealing arrow keys, which allow them access to a bigger booty - collection boxes, strip mall, and apartment complex mailboxes.

- A Mail carrier was targeted for his arrow key and robbed on Morton Drive in Amherst on November 10, 2025.

- On November 16, a mail carrier was assaulted and robbed on Eller Avenue in Buffalo. His arrow key, along with a bag of mail, was taken. The USPS employee was taken to the hospital due to his injuries.

- A thief robbed a mail carrier of his arrow key at gunpoint in Buffalo near Moselle Street and E. Delavan Avenue on December 3.

- The following day, on December 4, a mail carrier was also robbed at gunpoint on Parkdale Avenue in Buffalo. The carrier's arrow key was stolen.

- The next day, another mail carrier was robbed of her arrow key on Forest Avenue in Niagara Falls.

According to the Legal Information Institute, per 18 U.S. Code § 1708, which describes mail theft, "Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."

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