Working together to prevent mail thefts

Coquitlam

2024-03-19 08:58 PDT

File # Public Service Announcement

Coquitlam RCMP are reminding the public to check their mailboxes regularly in an effort to avoid mail theft from occurring.

In 2023, Coquitlam RCMP responded to 161 mail thefts and 239 in 2022. In January 2024, Coquitlam RCMP responded to 21 mail theft reports, compared to 18 in January 2023. Community mailboxes and apartment boxes are more of a target than individual mailboxes for mail theft.

Mail and identity theft have a significant impact throughout our region, said Corporal Alexa Hodgins, Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations Officer. By consistently checking and picking up your mail, you can reduce the chance that thieves can profit from these crimes.

Mail theft prevention tips:

• Collect mail daily or frequently
• Deposit your mail close to the scheduled pickup time posted on the mailbox
• If you plan to travel, ask a friend or neighbour to collect your mail or put your mail on hold with Canada’s Post Hold Mail
• Notify mailers when you change your address
• Pay attention if you do not received mail that you had expected
• Report suspicious activities around mailboxes to your local police

For more tips, visit:

• BC RCMP – Identity Theft
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – Protect yourself from scams and fraud
• Canada Revenue Agency – Protect yourself against identity theft

Coquitlam RCMP investigate mail thefts. If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. To report a crime after the fact, please call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550.

Released by

Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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