Mounties and Canada Post are looking for suspects after a community mailbox on Bedwell Bay Road in Belcarra was targeted by thieves three times over the last week.
According to area residents, the first incident occurred last week when a door at one of the community mailboxes was broken open. The latest break-in took place either late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
“For that area, [the number of break-ins] is more than usual,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “That is certainly something we are working on with Canada Post.”
He said Canada Post generally takes the lead on community mailbox break-ins and works to “harden” boxes that may be vulnerable to thieves.
Residents who have been affect by the break-ins can pick up their mail at the Canada Post office in Coquitlam (820 Roderick Ave.) on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
In an email statement, Canada Post spokesperson Phil Legault said the Crown corporation could not comment on the specific incident as it is still under investigation. But he said Canada Post does everything it can to secure the delivery of mail.
“There is only one type of person that chooses to break the law — that’s a criminal, and they are determined regardless of the target,” he said. “It takes an equal level of determination to deter and stop those who commit property crimes and we at Canada Post are committed to do everything possible to support the police and their efforts to do so.”
He said anyone that witnesses suspicious activity should report to police and Canada Post’s customer service line at 1-800-267-1177.
People who believe they may be the target of identity theft are asked to call TransUnion at 1-800-663-9980 and Equifax at 1-800-465-7166.
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