‘Tis the season for mailbox theft

RCMP is asking the publicprotect themselves after a series of mail thefts over the weekend.

At least six reports of theft from various mailboxes in the city were reported to police Dec. 10. Several compartments per box were damaged and invaded, but police don't know what items were stolen.

Targeted boxes were located at:

• Hedeman Court at Trumpeter Road
• Chute Lake Road at Frost Road
• Neid Road at East Kelowna Road
• 5600 block of Goudie Road
• 6500 block of Sun Valley Road
• 7700 block of Sun Valley Road

"Mail theft can lead to identity theft and fraud if documents containing personal financial information are stolen," said Const. Kris Clark.

The RCMP says a few easy steps can be taken to protect identity and prevent mail theft:

1. Collect mail promptly after delivery.
2. If going away, get Canada Post to put a hold on mail until returning.
3. When moving:
      -file a change of address with Canada Post
      -advise banks and other companies of new address
4. If bills fail to arrive, contact companies immediately to ensure bills have not been fraudulently redirected.
5. Shred documents containing personal financial information such as statements and credit card offers.

For more information on security, visit the Canada Post website.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637) ktown.