Rising Wave of Mail Carrier Robberies in Oakland's East Bay

Postal officials in Oakland are warning the public about a surge in armed robberies of mail carriers, with about 20 open cases of robberies and assaults in the past year. The robbers are suspected of being part of a crime ring or organized effort to steal mail and postal service property. Postal authorities are asking the public for help in apprehending the criminals and offering a $50,000 reward to anyone providing information that leads to an arrest or conviction. The main target appears to be the ring of keys that gives carriers access to mailboxes.