New Westminster Police are urging residents to follow a few tips to protect their mail or risk having Christmas ruined by a Grinch.
The advice put out by the police department is meant to help protect folks from mail fraud and theft. Tips include:
- Check mail regularly. Never leave mail in the mailbox any longer than it needs to be there, or install a locking mailbox or secure mail slot.
- Have packages delivered to work. This will reduce the risk of package theft or package loss significantly (provided your employer allows that and there are coworkers in the office to accept the package).
- Shred junk mail. Identity thieves will take information in whatever way they can get it, even if it means digging through trash.
- Report suspicious activity. If you see suspicious individuals around your mailbox, contact the New Westminster Police Department.
- Use a secure mailbox. Don’t leave any letters that need to be sent in a mailbox that doesn’t lock. Deposit mail to be sent in a secure post office mailbox.
- Stop mail delivery while out of town. If you are going away or are unable to pick up your mail for any reason, have it collected by a trusted neighbour or file a hold mail request. Canada Post Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-267-1177.
“By taking a few precautions against mail fraud, you can protect your mail and yourself from becoming an easy target of identity thieves. If you’re expecting mail and don’t receive it, follow up with the sender to make sure it was sent,” police noted in a press release.
Anyone who believes they were a victim of mail theft is encouraged to call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411.
