Postal inspectors warn residents about recent robberies

MIAMI – Postal inspectors passed out flyers throughout neighborhoods in Coral Springs and Tamarac after the robberies of two postal carriers this month.

Inspectors said one man got away with a vehicle key in Coral Springs, while another got away with a master key in Tamarac, just 20 minutes apart.

The first robbery happened March 13 on Northwest 116th Terrace in Coral Springs. The second robbery was at the Concord Village condominiums on University Drive in Tamarac.

"I've lived here 20 years, if not more, and it's the first time anything like this has happened," said a resident who asked to be identified only by her first name, Sydel.

Inspectors said the master key stolen in the Tamarac theft can open dozens of mailboxes in the area.

"What we found in the investigations in the past is that these guys are doing it for financial reasons," U.S. Postal Inspector Blad Rojo said. "They're looking to do identity theft and tax ID fraud."

Inspectors said they've seen several cases of mail carriers being robbed since September.

"Everyone sees the letter carriers driving around, (and) their safety is of the highest concern," Rojo said.  

Inspectors advise residents to check their mail every day and keep an eye out for anyone hanging around the mailboxes.

If found the robbers could face a range of federal charges, including assault of a federal employee, possession of federal property, identity theft and tax fraud.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a $25,000 reward in each case for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.

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