ON December 14, Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit (PCU) and Vancouver Police Identity Theft and Anti-Fencing Unit (ITAFU) executed a search warrant on a residence in the 4000-block of No. 5 Road in Richmond. The residence was allegedly associated to a group committing multi-jurisdictional mail thefts and frauds.

An extensive amount of evidence associated to these alleged thefts was seized from the residence, including a Nissan Pathfinder believed to have been used in the commission of these offences.
While the group allegedly committed offences all across the Lower Mainland, the majority took place in Vancouver and Richmond. As a result, Richmond RCMP PCU and Vancouver Police ITAFU developed a joint force operation focused on this group.

“Criminal operations, such as this, do not stop at a city’s border. We often see multi-jurisdictional offences being committed, which is why police agencies across the Lower Mainland work collaboratively to identify and arrest criminal operations targeting our communities,” says Inspector Michael Cohee, Officer-in-Charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services and Community Engagement.

“Mail and identity theft has a significant impact throughout our region. By following steps to ensure your mail gets into the right hands, you can reduce the chances that thieves can profit from these crimes,” says Inspector Randy Fincham, Vancouver Police General Investigation Section.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Charges are pending.

Richmond RCMP and Vancouver Police recommend the public take steps to protect themselves from mail theft and identify fraud. Steps that can be taken include:

• Check your mail box on a daily basis;
• Get to know your mail carrier’s usual delivery time;
• Where feasible, receive bills or bank statements electronically;
• Request credit cards or bank cards be delivered to your local bank branch instead of your residence;
• If you will be away, have someone else pickup your mail;
• If you’re expecting a package, choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for your delivery.

For more tips visit on how to protect yourself against mail theft and identity theft visit the BC RCMP website.

Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of mail theft to contact their police of jurisdiction.