San Antonio Council addresses cluster mailbox theft with lighting and new task force

Cluster mailbox theft has emerged as a pressing issue in San Antonio, prompting city leaders to take action during the Public Safety Committee meeting on March 17, 2025. Council Member Maria Aldrete introduced a Council Consideration Request (CCR) aimed at addressing the growing problem of mail theft, which has burdened residents and homeowners associations (HOAs) alike.

The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) presented a detailed overview of the mailbox theft situation, revealing alarming statistics: from 2023 to the present, there were 3,521 reported class A misdemeanors related to mail theft, alongside 418 state jail felonies and 10 third-degree felonies. The most affected areas include the Upper Northwest region along I-10, highlighting the need for immediate intervention.

Aldrete's proposal includes creating a partnership with CPS Energy to install all-night security lighting around cluster mailboxes, a measure believed to significantly deter theft. She emphasized the urgency of implementing this lighting without waiting for the formation of a task force, stating, "I don’t want to delay all-night security lighting to go to the task force because then that means our residents are going to wait longer."

The committee agreed to move forward with the lighting initiative while also establishing a task force to coordinate a comprehensive response to mailbox theft. This task force will include stakeholders such as USPS, CPS Energy, and community representatives, aiming to clarify responsibilities and improve communication regarding mailbox repairs and security.

The SAPD plans to convene the task force in the coming months, with a goal to present recommendations by August. This proactive approach seeks to address the confusion surrounding mailbox theft responsibilities and enhance community safety, ensuring that residents feel secure in their neighborhoods.