Nanaimo Thieves Target Super Mail Boxes

Super Mail Boxes Targeted

There has been a rash of thefts from Canada Post super boxes and Nanaimo RCMP wish to alert the public.

On Sunday February 7th in broad daylight between 3 and 6pm a number of super boxes were targeted for theft. The super boxes were located in Nanaimo’s Jinglepot area at Ashlee Road and Holland, Ashlee Road at Dawkins Lane, Jinglepot Road at Kilpatrick, College Drive and Trinity Rd, and Jinglepot Road at Andre Road. The six targeted sites resulted in 40 individual mailboxes being accessed by thieves. “Considering the unusual timing of the incidents, being late in the afternoon on Superbowl Sunday, the RCMP are hoping someone in area will call and report seeing something suspicious in and around the mailboxes.” states Cst Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson, Nanaimo RCMP.

But the thieves weren’t finished. The next night on Monday, February 8th another six postal super boxes were targeted along Lantzville Road, in Lantzville, with a total of 20 individual mail boxes being accessed from these sites. Then further north into Nanoose another four super boxes were targeted along Northwest Bay Road, and Stewart Road. Mail was stolen from all locations.

“The theft of mail from community mailboxes is a serious matter - personal property is being stolen and the theft of mail creates opportunity for identity theft which can have serious long term implications. The other issue is that this type of crime causes Canada Post significant expense to repair the boxes. This of course, filters down to the general public by increases in our postal fees and taxes”, according to Cst O’Brien. The repair of postal super boxes that have been targeted by thieves costs Canada Post between $100 to $1000 each to repair. Over time the cost to the public is significant.

The Nanaimo RCMP encourages the public to retrieve their mail daily if possible,never allowing it to accumulate and if away on vacation have Canada Post put a hold on delivery so you are protected.It is also advised people check their personal mailboxes to ensure the box’s security has not been breached. If there is a problem with the box, it should be reported to Canada Post.

If anyone has any information on any of these thefts please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).