RCMP warn Okanagan residents of mail theft during tax season

RCMP in the North Okanagan are advising residents to be diligent during tax season and collect their mail daily.

Police said mail thefts increase during this time of year as confidential documents are sent and received.

This, police said, results in thieves targeting mailboxes to steal personal information and money.

“With tax season upon us, we tend to see an increase in mail theft, just as we do during the holiday season,” Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said. “Over the past few months, officers have received reports of Canada Post super boxes being damaged and possible mail that has gone missing in some of the more rural areas.”

Brett said the best way to protect yourself is to collect your mail daily.

RCMP and Canada Post also recommend the following to reduce the likelihood of mail and/or identity theft:

• Put a hold on your mail if you are away for any extended period of time
• If you have an address change, notify your mailers such as all relevant financial institutions, insurance companies, etc. Canada Post offers a mail forwarding service and has change of address cards to assist with the process
• If your mail fails to arrive, contact original sender to ensure they have your correct mailing address
• When shopping online, avoid having packages delivered to your front door. If you are not home during the day, have the parcel shipped to your work address or to a post office location
• Be mindful when you recycle paper. Shred documents that contain personal financial information, such as statements and credit card offers. Watch for and attend your local community shred days within your area
• If you see or hear anything suspicious in your area, to report the activities to your local police