Over the last month, Aldergrove and other communities throughout Langley and the Lower Mainland have been victimized by break-ins of mailboxes. This past Monday alone, 18 mailboxes were pried open and the mail items may have been stolen.
RCMP is asking the public to be particularly vigilant and report suspicious people, vehicles or activity in your neighbourhood, especially in close proximity to mailboxes.
Langley RCMP Street Enforcement Unit is working closely with Canada Post Postal Inspectors and neighbouring police agencies to address the issue and identify the person(s) responsible.
Superintendent Derek Cooke, Officer in Charge Langley Detachment, said, "We recognize mail theft as being a significant problem throughout the Lower Mainland. Langley’s property crime unit is fully engaged in trying to apprehend the offenders. I would strongly encourage Langley residents to ensure they retrieve their mail every afternoon and not allow it to accumulate for a lengthy period of time."
RCMP offer some prevention tips to minimize the opportunities for mail theft.
You should:
• Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after delivery – don’t leave mail unattended in your mailbox overnight.
• If you’re planning a holiday, have someone retrieve your mail on a daily basis, or for a small fee Canada Post will hold your mail at the delivery office and deliver it upon your return,
• If you receive mail that is not yours do not leave it in an unprotected area. Write "delivered to wrong address" or "not at this address" on the front of the envelope. Deposit the letter into an outgoing mail slot of a Canada Post mailbox at your earliest convenience.
• Check the physical security of your mailbox to ensure there are no gaps or damage.
• The RCMP works closely with Canada Post postal inspectors to combat mail and identity theft. Report any suspicious activity to police.
• If you see a damaged or overturned mailbox, contact Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.