Officials: Central Florida mail carrier robberies may be connected

ORLANDO, Fla. — Law enforcement officials say not one, but two mail carrier robberies spanning two counties took place in Central Florida Friday.

Both attacks are believed to have been carried out by the same individual or individuals, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Investigators say the first armed robbery happened around 12:15 p.m. in Melbourne. A little over an hour later in Orange County, they say the same thing happened to a different postal worker.

Officials say both postal carriers are OK, but both were robbed of the same thing: their arrow keys.

Each mail carrier carries whats called an arrow key, which opens all the multi-unit boxes or mailboxes that require a key on their route.

Authorities say a car connected to the robberies was later found in St. Lucie county, along with multiple people.

For nearly 30 years, Bruce Traynor worked in the post office — and for more than 20 of those years he delivered the mail with a smile on his face.

“I’d say, ‘Well you have a nice day, take care, enjoy life wile you are young,’” Traynor said. “You only live once and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Before retiring in the early 2000s, he says his uniform was somewhat equipped to handle any potential dangers.

“They did have mace,” Traynor said. “Back then it was for the dogs. For some reason the dogs like the mailman.”

Traynor said the arrow keys that were stolen are about four inches long and look like an old skeleton key.

According to Postal Inspector Rick Johnston, the arrow key is becoming coveted by criminals.

“It is becoming more common the last few years,” Johnston said of the thefts. “Robberies have definitely increased as crime has increased nationwide. Up until recently we had not had many, but over the years we have seen them increase substantially.”

Johnsten said he believes crooks looking for arrow keys are after cash and checks that may have been sent in the mail.

Officials say the main suspect in Friday’s robberies was caught later in Fort Pierce. Others with the individual were also detained, investigators said.