URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A key that unlocks 90% of mailboxes in Urbana, as well as USPS collection boxes, is missing after a carrier was robbed at gunpoint Monday night.
According to Nikeya Holmes, a customer service supervisor with the Urbana Post Office, the carrier was delivering mail to Prairie Green Apartment Homes complex in Urbana between 7:30-8 p.m. when it happened.
Holmes said the key that was stolen was an “arrow key.” Better known as a universal or master key, these keys can unlock collection boxes, outdoor lockers and apartment panels throughout the city.
Holmes said she isn’t sure what will happen if the key is not found, but that the Chicago-area has seen similar crimes in the past. She said that the Urbana Post Office will communicate with other offices who have experienced this issue before to figure out what to do if the key remains stolen.