LAWMAKERS are cracking down on a key mail issue with a new USPS law that threatens violators with $2,500 fines and even jail time.

USPS customers should handle letters and packages carefully, or they could have both state and federal prosecutors coming for them.

The new law is coming into effect on July 1, and it will affect everyone who lives in Virginia.

Under the new legislation, it’s considered a state felony if you steal or tamper with mail sent through the USPS.

This is already considered a felony on the federal level, so the new law gives law enforcement an extra layer of punishment for criminals.

“The aim was to replicate the federal statute to equip prosecutors with an additional resource,” explained Senator Saddam Salim, a Democrat and co-author of the legislation, in an interview with CBS affiliate WTVR.

The law came after a spate of mail thefts that plagued Virginians and left them missing bills or without essential Social Security checks.

In March, four people were arrested for running a “mail theft and bank fraud ring” where they yanked keys from mailmen and plundered boxes.

The confrontations became so heated that one of the criminals was shot by a mail inspector after one of the thieves tried to mow him down with a car.

Lawmakers say they’ve been fighting for elderly constituents who rely on physical mail daily.

“When you have grandma or whoever, they still receive Social Security checks and other information via mail,” said Salim.

“And if that goes missing, they have to call into those offices get it reissued. That takes a lot of time.”

Salim hopes that giving state prosecutors the power to enforce this law will free up federal attorneys who don’t have the capacity to pursue the cases.

He also noted that now, any person who steals important documents will be punished based on how much the information is worth.

Previously, prosecutors could only charge based on the value of the physical papers.

Taking a package from the porch isn’t the only way that people can get dinged under the crackdown.

Lawmakers warned that anyone who damages a mailbox can also be prosecuted under the new guidelines.

USPS UPDATES

USPS experienced a recent shakeup as a new postmaster general was appointed.

David Steiner, who was previously a FedEx board member, is now leading the agency, and he said he was excited to take the helm.

“I am excited by the challenges ahead and by the many opportunities to shape a vibrant, durable, and increasingly competitive future for the Postal Service,” he said after accepting the job.

Meanwhile, the USPS recently warned of price changes and closures under an incoming overhaul.

And the service warned of a “washed” check scam that’s plaguing customers.