(fFle photo/ rdnewsNOW staff)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Holiday tips

Alberta RCMP reports an increase in mail theft during holiday season

Dec 10, 2024 | 4:50 PM

The Alberta RCMP are encouraging residents to remain vigilant when it comes to mail theft this holiday season.

Even though the Canada Post strike continues on, holiday gift deliveries continue to be made on doorsteps across Alberta.

This comes with an increased chance of mail theft and police say if you’re travelling this season, it’s important to make sure your mail and home are safe.

The RCMP report that December and January are usually the months with the highest amount of reported mail thefts. In Dec. 2023 there were 61 cases reported to RCMP, followed by 90 in January. From Oct. 2023 to Sept. 2024 there were 695 mail thefts reported.

When ordering online or sending presents through the mail, make sure to follow these tips:

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• Whenever possible, opt for a “signature required” delivery, or provide instructions for the delivery person to leave your items out of sight.
• Tracking shipments helps ensure you know exactly when something lands on your doorstep, so you or a trusted neighbour can grab it before someone else does.
• If possible, arrange for the delivery to be scheduled when you’ll be home.
• Have packages shipped to a delivery service pick-up location. This is a free service and a great option for large or valuable items.
• Installing a doorbell camera and motion sensor lights can be a great deterrent for opportunistic criminals.
• Never send cash or other forms of payment through the mail.
• If you see suspicious activity at yours or someone else’s mailbox, report it immediately to your local police.

For those travelling to see friends and family, there’s a few more things to keep in mind before leaving for the holidays:

• Ensure that there is no mail left on your doorstep or in your mailbox, alerting criminals that you’re not around.
• Ask a neighbour to shovel while you’re away, giving the impression that someone is around and checking in on the home.
• Make sure all your doors and windows are locked. Consider motion sensor lights for the exterior, and timers for indoor lights.

RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell them where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.