Many Long Island post offices lack outdoor surveillance cameras, despite mail theft issues
News 12 visited 10 post offices that authorities said were among those targeted in the investigation. Only two locations — in Smithtown and Brentwood — appeared to have outdoor surveillance cameras.
Mail theft remains a growing concern across Long Island, and News 12 found that many local post offices lack a key security measure: outdoor surveillance cameras.
The finding comes after Suffolk County prosecutors announced the arrests of three people accused of operating a mail theft scheme that allegedly targeted 20 communities and resulted in $5 million in losses.
According to prosecutors, the suspects used a glue trap attached to a belt to "fish" mail out of outdoor collection boxes, stealing checks and other valuable correspondence.
News 12 visited 10 post offices that authorities said were among those targeted in the investigation. Only two locations — in Smithtown and Brentwood — appeared to have outdoor surveillance cameras.
Residents questioned why more post offices are not equipped with cameras.
"If there's going to be issues with people stealing things, they definitely should have cameras," Commack resident Randi Chisari said.
Carolyn Borella, owner of Borella Nursery in Nesconset, said several business checks were stolen after she mailed them from the outdoor mailbox at the Nesconset post office.
"Every Dunkin' Donuts has a surveillance camera," Borella said. "How can the United States of America's post office not have a camera over their mailboxes that are in front of their door?"
Every post office visited during the News 12 investigation did have newer collection boxes designed to deter so-called "mail fishing." The boxes feature narrow mail slots with metal teeth intended to prevent thieves from retrieving mail after it has been deposited.
Borella said she noticed something unusual about the mailbox after mailing her checks.
"It was very sticky. Very gooey. It was on top and bottom," she said. "It was the glue, I guess, from the mouse traps."
News 12 contacted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to ask how many post offices on Long Island are equipped with outdoor surveillance cameras. A response had not been received as of publication.
