Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - The US Postal Inspectors Service is looking for information in the robberies and assaults of four postal carriers in WNY. They're offering rewards of up to $150,000, and the head of the local letter carriers association hopes this will get someone to come forward.
Dave Grosskopf of the Buffalo Chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers says it's the maximum reward for each case. "What we're hoping here is by the Postal Inspection Service putting out that maximum amount that somebody in the community that if they saw something will come forward and give either the local police department or the US Postal Inspection Service some information that can lead to the apprehension of the individuals that did this," says Grosskopf. He says the reward could come in handy for anyone who speaks up. "I'm pretty sure $150,000 can go a long way for folks in today's economy."
Grosskopf admits his letter carriers have been on edge, not the normal mood this time of year. "With the holiday being here, the focus is on my guys and girls out there playing Santa Claus and that focus isn't as jovial as it normally is, because you're having to worry about your safety on the street in case something like this happens," says Grosskopf.
Grosskopf says the advice to letter carriers when they're accosted is simple. "Give up whatever they're asking for. In this case, if it's the arrow keys, if it's the satchel, if it's the scanner, give that stuff up, let that individual get away, as far as when we're out there delivering, making sure we're aware of our surroundings," says Grosskopf. He also advises them to stay as close to the delivery vehicles as possible because that could be an escape means.
The four incidents occurred on Northland Ave and Moselle in Buffalo, Eller Ave in Buffalo, Parkdale Ave in Buffalo and Forest Ave in Niagara Falls. Grosskopf says there have been no further incidents since those four.
If you have any information about these incidents, please contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say “Law Enforcement”). All calls will be kept confidential.