RCMP and Canada Post have confirmed that 29 mailboxes were broken into in Lafond, sometime around the weekend of Dec. 1.
RCMP further stated that there was “no evidence and no suspects at this time.”
Canada Post, as per its mandate, will be conducting the investigation and is in charge of notifying the mailbox owners. The RCMP’s involvement in the matter was fairly limited, according to Cpl. Ron Bumbry, a media relations officer.
He also noted that “There have been three incidents in last six months involving mailboxes,” in the area.
“Most people that had their mailboxes broken into were very upset, then frustrated, and very scared because they did not know how they would get their mail and/or parcels that might have been taken, replaced,” said Lafond resident Suzanne Downey.
“A few of our neighbours had payments and Christmas gifts they were expecting, which might have been in their mailboxes when the thieves broke into them.”
Given the time of the year, residents were concerned about how quickly the mailboxes would be fixed, and how they would continue to pick up their mail. Some residents had picked up their mail the evening before the theft happened, easing some concerns, but others were left to wonder what might have been taken.
Locks on the mailboxes were changed immediately, but communication with the residents created further concerns.
Canada Post confirmed the incident in Lafond, via email. Phil Legault, media relations with Canada Post, noted that in the hast of securing the mailboxes, contacting RCMP and the security and operations team, locks were in fact quickly replaced, but “there was a delay in getting the keys to customers.”
Canada Post apologized for the inconvenience, and staff members at the post office in St. Paul were advising customers of the locks being changed, as they came into the post office.
According to RCMP, tips to prevent mailbox thefts include picking up mail promptly after delivery, and not leaving anything in the mailbox overnight.
“If you’re planning a holiday, have someone retrieve your mail on a daily basis or for a small fee, Canada Post will hold your mail at the delivery office and deliver it upon your return,” reads information from RCMP.
It’s also important to regularly check the physical security of your mailbox to ensure there are no gaps or damage.
“If you see a damaged or overturned mailbox, contact Canada Post to report.”
RCMP also advises against sending cash or cheques in the mail. It was also noted that during the holiday season, mailbox theft sometimes spikes, as thieves hope to find Christmas cards with cheques or cash in them.
“We are urging people to check their mail every day to lessen the risk of losing important pieces of mail,” said Bumbry.
Residents are encouraged to contact the St. Paul RCMP at 780-645-8880 if they believe they are a victim of mail theft or if they observe and suspicious vehicles or persons loitering around community mailboxes.
For further information and tips regarding mail security, please visit www.canadapost.ca/postalsecurity.
