The Lloydminster RCMP say there are ways someone can protect themselves from having their mail, and perhaps even their identity from that stolen.
Constable Grant Kirzinger says mailbox break-ins are something they’ve investigated in Lloydminster before, but says its not something they’ve really seen in terms of public Canada Post boxes. He says that the biggest risk people run is in their private mailbox on their property, or by having deliveries left at their door.
He says that there are specific items thieves could be looking for when breaking into a mail box.
“There are things that people are looking for inside of a mailbox, definitely personal information, if their would be any money sent inside of an envelope as well would be very appealing, but the biggest thing is personal information.”
In terms of protection from mail theft, he says that there are ways for someone to protect themselves, such as getting direct deposit from organizations such as the CRA instead of a mailed check, getting parcels delivered to a post office instead of being left at the door and getting a lock for your mailbox.
If someone has their mail stolen, they should act immediately so as to prevent further complications such as identity theft.
“You need to report that to the RCMP or the police detachment in your area.” Kirzinger says, “You also need to contact what ever organization you got the mail from. So if it was a tax return you need to ensure you contact the Canada Revenue Agency so the cheque can be cancelled. Personal information, banking information, you need to get in contact so that information can be cancelled.”
Kirzinger also adds that mail theft is a serious offense in the eyes of the law, and carries a fine or jail time if convicted.