The squeaky wheel gets the grease — or in Langley’s case, new mailboxes.
Township Councillor Steve Ferguson raised the issue of community mailbox thefts very publicly, going after Canada Post after his Brookswood neighbourhood box was compromised no fewer than 10 times.
In the last case, Canada Post had his mail redirected to the post office in Langley City, while they repaired his mailbox.
He was outraged that the office was only open until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, leaving working people with no ability to pick up mail.
“I’ve been working with Canada Post ever since,” said Ferguson.
Now new, more secure community mailboxes are popping up all over Langley.
“My understanding is that they will be putting in the new community mailboxes throughout the entire region,” he said.
Ferguson likes what he sees with the new metal boxes.
“They are constructed using stronger metal.
“The hinges are properly mounted and of higher quality and the locks are significantly heavier.”
New concrete footings have been poured at some locations as well.
Ferguson said police like the new ones, too.
“I have contacted the RCMP and they have stated that on the new community mailboxes there have been next to zero break-in.”
“Let’s hope for the best,” said Ferguson. “People care about their mail security.”
In the meantime, Langley RCMP just put out a warning for Aldergrove residents where community mailboxes have been targeted by thieves.
Mail theft is a significant problem in Langley and many other communities, where thieves look to steal identity.