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Brazen thief goes next level with mail theft in Ryder Lake

Chilliwack RCMP confirm a section of a community mailbox was taken off its base and removed
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One section of a bank of community mailboxes in Ryder Lake was stolen. (Facebook photo)

Thieves break into mailboxes all the time, but someone went next-level with a recent theft in Ryder Lake.

RCMP confirm an entire section was taken from a bank of community mailboxes on Elk View Road.

Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Rail said the report came in around 8 a.m. on May 4 and was forwarded to Canada Post for investigation. Rail, who has enjoyed a long career with Canada’s national police force, said he can’t remember an entire bank being taken.

He said it is a reminder that people who rely on community mailboxes should check them frequently and keep mail from accumulating.

Facbook poster Jay Bond suggested this mailbox had been recovered and was at the downtown post office.

Canada Post spokesperson Valérie Chartrand said a letter was sent to affected customers advising them of the theft. They were told a new mailbox module will be installed and new keys will be available for pickup in the near future.

“We take these matters and the security of the mail very seriously. The RCMP is investigating and our postal inspectors are working in collaboration with them,” Chartrand said. “Until delivery resumes, affected customers can pick up their mail at the post office located at 46229 Yale Road between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We ask that they bring a valid government-issued photo ID to pick up their mail and parcels.

“We ask customers who believe they have not received a specific piece of mail to contact the sender. Customers concerned about identity fraud should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. We encourage anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to immediately inform the authorities and call Canada Post Customer Service at 1-866-607-6301.”

RELATED: Chilliwack resident angered after Canada Post employee leaves community mailbox unlocked

RELATED: Canada Post asks that you keep your dog away from postal workers


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Eric Welsh

About the Author: Eric Welsh

I joined the Chilliwack Progress in 2007, originally hired as a sports reporter.
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