Community mailboxes are new targets for thieves in rural areas.
Increased reports of stolen parcels and mail are occurring from rural mailboxes after thieves broke into individual compartments or the parcel box, said RCMP const. Willy Henry of the Strathcona County detachment in central Alberta.
Rural residents are advised to pick up their mail more often and if anyone notices someone loitering around the mailboxes, the incident should be reported to police.
“We are just trying to educate people to check that mailbox each day,” he said.
Read Also
Alberta Crop Report: Two sides of the same weather coin
Wet weather in the northern half of Alberta and dry weather in the south delayed harvest across the province during the week ended Aug. 19, 2025.
“Any rural, secluded location can be more susceptible as the thieves can operate under that cloud of secrecy where no one sees them, depending where the boxes are located.”
Most thefts are reported on a Friday because people may only check the box once a week rather than a more frequent pickup. At one time, police received more complaints at Christmas time when more parcels were mailed, but now the problem exists year round.
Some of the thefts could be local, opportunistic crimes, but more organized identity thieves are looking for sensitive personal information like drivers’ licenses, credit card statements, preapproved credit cards, convenience cheques from the credit card company or utility bills.
Rural residents who notice damaged mailboxes or broken compartment locks can contact Canada Post toll free at 800-267-1177. For further information and tips regarding mail security, please visit www.canadapost.ca/postalsecurity.
