Thieves are targeting rural mailboxes to steal parcels and identities.
“Unfortunately, Canada Post is not immune to criminal activities, so we encourage our customers to pick up their mail every day and not to leave it overnight,” says Eugene Knapik of Canada Post.
Increased reports of stolen parcels and mail are occurring from rural mailboxes after thieves break 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 often and inform police if they notice someone loitering around mailboxes.
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“We are just trying to educate people to check that mailbox each day,” he said.
“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.
Police used to receive more complaints at Christmas time when more parcels were mailed, but the problem now exists year round.
Some of the thefts could be local, opportunistic crimes, but more organized identity thieves are looking for sensitive personal information such as drivers’ licences, credit card statements, preapproved credit cards and utility bills.
“We encourage people to have a shredder at home and shred anything that might be sensitive information,” Henry said.
“If you wonder if it is sensitive or not, err on the side of caution and shred it.”
Rural residents who notice damaged mailboxes or broken compartment locks should call their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers if they have information at 800-222-8477. They may also contact Canada Post toll free at 800-267-1177.
For further information, visit www.canadapost.ca/postalsecurity.
