BETWEEN April 11 and April 15, Richmond RCMP received 12 reports regarding stolen mail from single-family residences. Richmond RCMP frontline officers quickly connected the reports and increased patrols in the targeted areas.
Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit (PCU) in collaboration with frontline officers gathered evidence from which police were able to identify the two suspects. Both were arrested and released on police undertakings.
“In this case our officers were able to quickly identify the series along with the suspects involved. The quick reporting by the victims played a critical part in this process,” says Sgt. Russel Yugai, NCO in-charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services Support.
“The theft of mail has a direct nexus to identity theft. It’s important that people be diligent about checking their mail boxes regularly and if you are victimized, report it to police right away.”
Some ways you can protect yourself from being the victim of mail theft include:
- Check your mail box regularly;
- Get to know your postal workers delivery schedule so you can pick up your mail as soon as possible after it’s delivered;
- If you live in a single-family residence, consider installing a mail box with a lock so it’s harder to access;
- If you have video surveillance share it with police.
For more tips on ways to protect yourself from being a victim of mail theft visit the BC RCMP website.
This investigation is ongoing
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2024-12064. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.
