Mail Theft In Midtown Condos Becomes A Huge Problem

A mail theft case for a condominium in Midtown has frustrated residents. This is not the first time it has happened, and it very likely won’t be the last.

Mail Theft Cases Spike in the United States

The United States Postal Service is grappling with a surge in mail theft and attacks on letter carriers nationwide. Reports from homeowners and a nonprofit in East Atlanta Village highlight the severity of the issue. Missing mail predominantly contains checks or monetary items.

John Johnson, interim president of the 330 McGill Place Board of Directors, acted on recent incidents. He disclosed that their mail kiosk has been targeted four times in the last few months. The residents held their mail to thwart the thieves during a recent attempt. However, McGill Place has not been fortunate in the past.

Constant Reports Yield No Results

Johnson has contacted USPS, the FBI, and Atlanta Police. Despite these efforts, he expressed frustration over the lack of urgency in addressing the matter. He believes that it is a pressing concern for the more than 200 residents living in the condominium.

Residents, particularly those dependent on mail for essential needs like medication, face significant challenges. The thefts within the gated community involve the perpetrators breaking into the kiosk and stealing all mail from 188 boxes.

Surveillance footage captures the criminals pulling into the complex, parking near the kiosk, and using tools like a crowbar to breach the heavily secured door. Johnson outlined plans to enhance security measures to deter future thefts or delay the criminals until law enforcement arrives.

Local Church Also Targeted

Johnson pointed out that the neighborhood has seen a rise in mail theft. In addition to this condominium, the nearby Butler Street Baptist Church has also experienced the same issue. Thieves broke into the church, disrupting its community service initiatives, including a food drive and Christmas donations for children.

Expressing concern for the affected church, Johnson urged the Atlanta Police Department to increase patrols and install cameras along Ralph McGill Boulevard. He speculated that the rise in criminal activity coincided with the closure of the nearby Atlanta Medical Center. The hospital previously contributed to a more visible police presence and increased traffic in the area.

Residents are encouraged to report any information about mail theft or break-ins at Butler Street Baptist Church to the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta at 404-577-8477.