Police are recommending people pay close attention to delivery of their government cheques as thieves are stealing mail in the hopes of finding a big payday.
In late April, Surrey RCMP arrested two people and recovered $33,000 in stolen government cheques, including Canada Emergency Response Benefit cheques.
One of those arrested and charged, Tyler Missen, is known to Coquitlam RCMP, and has been remanded in custody with a court appearance slated for May 21.
While there hasn’t been a spike in mail theft or property crime in the Tri-Cities during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Coquitlam Mounties say they are keeping a close watch and are advising people to pick up their mail regularly to avoid theft.
For government cheques in particular, it’s best to sign up for direct deposit, RCMP say.
While it’s not easy to fraudulently cash a government cheque, Cpl. Michael Mclaughlin said it’s possible to do so if there are no proper “checks and balances.”
Delta police, meanwhile, are reporting that the city has seen a significant spike in mail thefts in these past two months, as have many other cities across Metro Vancouver.
According to DPD, in March and April Delta had 23 separate instances of mail theft reported to police, compared to six for the same time in 2019.
Mounties say people should be extra careful of their mail, including packages that may be left on their doorstep while at work.
Surrey RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Joanie Sidhu recommends that people be extra vigilant to avoid having their personal information, or cheques stolen.
“We want to make sure the public is aware they shouldn’t be leaving any mail in mail boxes and should be collecting after delivery because mail is a treasure trove of personal information.”
She advised people to shred personal documents such as statements or credit card offers, and have Canada Post put mail delivery on hold or have a neighbour pick it up while away from home, and direct delivery packages to a work address if you’re still on the job and can’t monitor package drop-offs at home.
Meanwhile, the Surrey mail theft investigation is ongoing and police are working with applicable government agencies to to ensure that the impacted victims are notified, and can receive their benefits as soon as possible.
