West Shore RCMP are warning the public about the potential for identity theft, after announcing that they've been investigating a string break-ins and thefts involving community mailboxes in Highlands and Langford.
Between the end of August and the end of September, there have been seven separate incidents on the West Shore alone that have seen these multi-unit mailboxes broken into and the contents stolen. According to police, all of the cases saw the mailboxes forced open.
Detachment spokesperson Const. Alex Berube said identity theft techniques often include "dumpster diving" and mail theft. He said the goals of these acts are to obtain key pieces of personal information about a potential victim.
Police encourage residents to pick up their mail daily and not leave anything inside the boxes overnight.
Vandalized locations include:
• Irwin Road/Humpback Road area in Langford
• Asworth Road/Yorkshire Place in Langford
• Old Mossy Road in Highlands
• Ross Durrance Road/Willis Point in Highlands
• Stagg Road/Munn Road in Highlands
• Millstream Road in Highlands
• Rockridge Place in Highlands
West Shore RCMP are asking anyone with information on these crimes to contract them or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com