Edmonton neighbourhood sees string of mail box thefts

By Adam Ziccarelli

Thieves have been targeting the north Edmonton neighborhood of Griesbach’s Canada Post mailboxes, stealing important documents that make it easier to commit identity theft.

Community members have used social media to report the dangers saying, this isn’t the first time their mailboxes have been hit.

“These break-ins have been going on for at least the three years that I have been monitoring the neighborhood watch,” said David Stawn, community watch member.

Three mailboxes have been pried open by thieves in the past two weeks, the personal letters and bills inside stolen before their rightful owners can even see them.

According to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre, mailbox thefts have cost Canadians $43 million in fraud in the first three months of this year.

“It’s shocking. To see pictures of mail on the ground, the boxes opened is very worrisome.”

Stawn says Griesbach has a mix of older and newer style mailboxes in the community. It’s the older boxes that are the targets of criminals.

“Some of the mailboxes have been replaced. And I’m not sure if those are more resistant to break-ins.”

A Canada Post source told CityNews the older mailboxes are easier to break into because they don’t have as much metal stopping thieves from prying them open. Newer mailboxes are reinforced making them a tougher target.

“It’s shocking to see and that it is continuing. It’s continued for a number of years now,” said Stawn.

The Edmonton Police Service told CityNews on Wednesday, that if people are concerned about mail and parcel theft, there are ten prevention tips listed on their website.

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