Ridge Meadows Mounties are warning people that the Christmas grinch operates year round when it comes to super mail-box thefts.
“Police throughout the Lower Mainland have received numerous reports of mail thefts in 2014. The new mail boxes that have been located in some of our neighbourhoods have certainly prevented thefts, but we all need to do more," says Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.
“Thieves are focusing on the older style equipment, which Canada Post is fortunately phasing out. The new equipment has positively impacted the number of incidents, but we all need to do more.”
Dunlop said the best way to protect yourself is to pick up your mail every day. And if you're planning a holiday, get someone to pick up your mail daily or use Canada Post's Hold Mail service. If you see suspicious types lurking around a mail box, call the cops. If you see a vandalized mail box, call Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.
For any incorrectly delivered letters, write "delivered to wrong address" on the envelope and mail the item. If it's addressed to someone not at your address write, "not at this address" and mail the item.
Police say that working together will go a long way towards reducing instances of mail theft and said that every second day a mail box is damaged or robbed in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.
Up to mid November of this year, 176 reports of mail theft have been filed in Maple Ridge.
Soon, everyone will be using community mailboxes, as Canada Post phases out door-to-door delivery at some five million homes in efforts to save payroll costs.