Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail, nor heatwave either, seems to stop mail thieves from going through your personal correspondence — if they can get their hands on it.
That certainly appears to have been the case in San Pariel this week, when Canada Post and the Oceanside RCMP received a complaint about damage to mailboxes on Maple Lane Drive.
The incident happened overnight on Aug. 15 when culprits managed to breach one of the master doors that covers the individual mail boxes.
Police say they don’t know if any mail was taken.
RCMP Corporal Jesse Foreman said the incident serves as a good reminder about the importance of regularly cleaning out your mailbox.
“Mail theft is a preferred method for identity thieves to obtain personal information,” he said. “If you suspect or know that you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, or if you unwittingly provided personal information or financial information, contact your local police and file a report.”
He stressed victims should also contact their financial institution and credit card company.
“Contact the two national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports,” he added.
These include Equifax, at 1-800-465-7166 and TransUnion at 1-877-525-3823.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be reached, toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
If you have any further information regarding this incident, please call the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
