Rural residents who perhaps do not frequently check their mailboxes are encouraged to keep a closer eye on them.
The RCMP issued a press release last week advising Albertans about recent reports that the newly operating Call Back Unit in the K Division has received relating to rural mailboxes that have been broken into.
“While there is no one community that these thefts are associated with, citizens across the province are being reminded to check on their mailboxes daily,” police said.
Burglars who steal mail are typically on the prowl for pre-paid credit cards, gift cards, as well as cheques and other documents that will make it easy for them to access someone's banking and other personal information.
“This time of year, thieves are especially targeting the pre-paid credit cards used by tax companies to deliver tax refunds to their clients, or refunds otherwise direct distributed.”
So police encourage people throughout the province to ensure that they are taking daily steps to protect themselves from mailbox theft, which in turn substantially lowers the potential of becoming a victim of identity theft as well.
The following are a few measures that rural residents can get into the habit of doing to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of theft: check the mailbox daily and remove any accumulation of mail; anyone who is expecting a parcel should consider having that package sent either as registered mail or to a business address where someone can accept the delivery; as well as — if possible — picking up online purchases at the store the item(s) was ordered from.
Any residents in the surrounding Sundre area who check their mailbox only to find it has been burgled or tampered with should promptly contact the local RCMP detachment at 403-638-3675 and also report the incident to Canada Post.
People who suspect that any correspondence has been stolen from their mailbox should, sooner rather than later, get in touch with any businesses or agencies they might have been expecting mail from. Examples include utility companies, banking organizations and credit card companies.
“This type of mail contains information that may lead to identity theft,” caution police.
Of course anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in progress at a mailbox should immediately contact police. Callers who would prefer to remain anonymous can report the incident to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
So anyone who has perhaps been putting off checking his or her mailbox should not delay another day.
After all, it's better to be safe than to be sorry.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
