Once again, I go to check my mail, only to be greeted with the sight of a ransacked box.
The only thing left behind by the thieves were soggy flyers. Parcels had been ripped open, contents stolen and likely all of the mail. The theft of property and identity theft are serious crimes in Canada. Accordingly, I reported it to Canada Post and the RCMP.
My first stop? The post office in Fraser Heights. The response provided to me by the girl behind the counter: “Oh, again?” Taken aback, I nonetheless provided her with my contact details and then asked what the solution was going to be this time. She advised me that the locks would be changed – again. Now I am no expert, but clearly this system does not work because theft from community mailboxes is commonplace.
Finding this unsatisfactory, I then phoned Canada Post. I reported the theft and was told that Canada Post’s solution would be to change the locks – again.
Clearly the thieves are not deterred and they will be back, next week or next month and I will be reporting the same crime – again. I expressed my disappointment and advised the Canada Post employee that theft and compromising one’s confidential information should be safeguarded as one of their priorities and that perhaps a better solution needs to be put forward. Perhaps security cameras need to be installed at the mailboxes. Or an electronic system which can only be accessed by a swipe card or digital code. A community mailbox which can be jammed open by criminals is not a secure system.
I hope Canada Post steps forward and addresses its clients’ concerns given the serious nature of the crimes that can be committed when one’s personal information is compromised.
Saira Aslam
