The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering up to $150,000 for information about a recent string of armed robberies targeting its mail carriers in Dallas.
Between December 28 and January 29, three U.S. mail carriers were held at gunpoint and robbed in separate incidents across Dallas. The federal authorities have posted considerable rewards for information leading to the arrests and convictions of the suspects. Stealing U.S. mail is a federal felony punishable by hefty fines and up to five years in prison.
“We won’t rest until we find those individuals responsible,” said U.S. Postal Inspector Sean Smith, according to NBC 5 DFW.
The first robbery occurred on December 28 at 3525 Colonial Ave. It is in District 7, which Council Member Adam Bazaldua represents. At 11:25 a.m., two suspects described as black males of a medium build allegedly robbed a mail carrier. They were wearing masks and dark clothes.
On January 12, a man described as being in his teens or early 20s, black, and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall allegedly robbed a mail carrier at The Sophia Apartments at 1:25 p.m. He wore a mask and a letterman jacket with white sleeves and navy blue lettering.
Located at 3156 Hudnall St., this robbery falls within Council Member Jesse Moreno’s District 2, one of three districts encompassing Dallas’ downtown area (with the others being 6 and 14).
The last robbery happened at an apartment complex called the Oaks of North Dallas. It is located at 4701 Haverwood Ln., which is in District 12 and is represented by Council Member Cara Mendelsohn. At about 4:15 p.m., a male suspect wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, red shorts with a black and white stripe, and white shoes allegedly robbed a mail carrier. He was described as black, in his early 20s, and approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall.
Reports on any of these incidents can be made confidentially through the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s website or by calling 1-877-876-2455 and saying “Law Enforcement” when prompted.
According to the City’s crime analytics dashboard, 24.3% of all crimes reported in Dallas had occurred in Districts 2, 7, and 12 as of February 6. Meanwhile, robberies have already ticked up by 2.4% year-over-year across the city.
The Dallas Police Department’s efforts to curb violent crime have been dampened by an ongoing officer shortage. Only around 3,000 officers are currently fielded despite a City report recommending 4,000 to properly ensure public safety. Moreover, City officials have budgeted only $654 million for DPD this fiscal year, opting to spend considerably less than other high-crime jurisdictions, like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Comparative studies looking at crime in Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth’s city center published each month by the Metroplex Civic & Business Association show that considerably more crime occurs in the former. The latter is patrolled by a dedicated police unit and private security officers.
