Olds RCMP are investigating several reports of mail theft in rural Olds.
Police received those reports between April 1 and April 4.
"Four community mailboxes were targeted and the locks cut off from each individual box within the unit," says Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald, commander of the Olds RCMP detachment.
"Most locks were owned by the Canada Post customers. For each incident, Canada Post Security was notified by the RCMP. No suspects have been identified at this time."
The thefts occurred just a few miles outside of Olds to near the east border of Mountain View County.
MacDonald says the thefts reflect a wider trend in the province.
"It seems there was an increase overall in central and some of southern Alberta areas over the last few weeks."
MacDonald has some advice for residents on how best to theft-proof their rural mailboxes. He says they should retrieve their mail frequently, "particularly if mailed items of any monetary value are expected."
Hardened steel locks on the boxes may also help deter theft.
MacDonald also encourages neighbours to take note of unfamiliar vehicles parked at mailboxes and report any suspicious activity to the police.
He has some more advice too.
"To help prevent further acts of fraud related to stolen cheques, people can often make arrangements with private companies and government agencies to set up direct deposits. E-deposits through online banking also help to reduce cheque theft and fraud," MacDonald says.
"It's important that everyone who is victimized by mail theft makes a report to the police. Although it is difficult to catch thieves in the act of stealing mail, catching them in possession of stolen mail is a stronger possibility," he adds.
