SAN ANTONIO — The U.S. Postal Service is recognizing Mailbox Improvement Week in San Antonio, urging residents and property managers to repair damaged mailboxes and delivery areas. The observance follows an increase in documented mail theft cases across the city.

According to San Antonio police data, officers documented 2,031 mail theft cases in 2024, up from 1,949 cases in 2023. San Antonio authorities have reported nearly 350 mail theft cases so far this year.

Residents reported thieves breaking into community mail clusters and stealing sensitive documents. Individuals also continued targeting packages left outside homes and apartments.

USPS officials said damaged mailboxes and broken delivery areas can create major inconveniences for customers, especially those living in apartment complexes. When carriers cannot safely deliver mail, customers are often forced to pick up their mail at the post office.

Becky Hernandez, a USPS communications specialist, said the agency has been coordinating with property managers and homeowners associations to address damaged delivery infrastructure. "We've really tried to work with the department managers, like we mentioned, with homeowners associations to get those repaired as quickly as possible so we can resume delivery," Hernandez said.

USPS encourages customers to check their mail regularly and retrieve packages promptly to help prevent theft. People who suspect mail theft are encouraged to contact local police or the Postal Inspection Service.

The 2024 figure of 2,031 documented mail theft cases in San Antonio represents an increase from the 1,949 cases recorded by San Antonio police in 2023. USPS officials noted that when delivery infrastructure is damaged, carriers cannot safely complete their routes, leaving customers without home delivery and requiring them to retrieve mail directly from the post office. Hernandez said the agency has focused on working with homeowners associations and property managers to get damaged mailboxes and delivery areas repaired as quickly as possible.