A sticky substance that could be used to assist in mail theft was recently observed at the collection boxes outside of La Jolla’s main post office at 1140 Wall St., prompting a U.S. Postal Inspection Services investigation.
A report was made and subsequently posted on social media about the sticky substance on Oct. 6.
Patricia Mendoza, a postal inspector with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, told the La Jolla Light the next day that the department is “actively investigating the recent incidents of glue or sticky substances involving the collection boxes. … We take these incidents and any criminal activity involving the U.S. mail very seriously and remain committed to protecting the mail and the communities we serve.”
Clear sticky substances are believed to be used to steal mail. In such cases, mail dropped into the slot would adhere to the substance and thieves could then reach in and take the mail and its contents. It is a crime to vandalize or alter a blue USPS collection box, according to the Postal Inspection Service.
“Mailboxes are protected by federal law, and crimes against mailboxes (and the mail inside) are investigated by postal inspectors,” USPIS says. “Mail cannot be delivered to a damaged mailbox, and mailboxes cost money to replace. Plus, the mail inside … could be important documents, necessary medicine or priceless family treasures. … Those who are convicted of destruction of federal property could spend up to three years in jail and be fined up to $250,000.”
Mendoza said she recommends that those who drop off mail into these boxes verify the posted collection times to ensure mail doesn’t remain in the box overnight or over the weekend. She also recommends reporting any suspicious activity in or around postal facilities to local law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (877) 876-2455 or the website postalinspectors.uspis.gov.
Reports of sticky substances on public mailboxes in La Jolla were made in 2023, leading some visitors to worry if it was being used for mail theft. Another instance in 2024, according to the U.S. Postal Service, was believed to be “candy or gum or something else,” as there was no indication that mail was stolen.
— La Jolla editor Ashley Mackin-Solomon contributed to this report.