Coquitlam: A 49-year-old Surrey man, and a 40-year-old Surrey woman, are facing multiple charges after a combined Canada Post-Coquitlam RCMP investigation into alleged prolific mail thieves that have been working the area for months.

Heine Hut, who is well-known to police and Canada Post, is currently facing the following charges:

  • 2 counts of theft of mail,
  • 1 count of unlawful use of a mail key,
  • 1 count of possession of stolen mail,
  • 2 counts of possession of a stolen credit card.

Charlene Saar, who was arrested with Hut at his residence in Surrey, is facing:

  • 1 count of theft of mail,
  • 1 count of possession of stolen mail,
  • 1 count of unlawful use of a mail key,
  • 2 counts of a possession of a stolen credit card.

This was an effective interagency project and Canadian Postal Inspectors provided crucial expertise, says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with Coquitlam RCMP. Once a primary suspect was identified, the Coquitlam RCMP Prolific Target Team made the arrests and then used search warrants to gather a large amount of evidence. The suspects are believed to be responsible for a large number of identity and mail theft over an extended period.

Mail theft is a common complaint, but here are some tips from postal inspectors and law enforcement to help secure your mail and protect your identity:

  • Collect your mail daily,
  • If you’ll be away, use Canada Post’s Hold Mail service to suspend delivery until you return,
  • When you move, file a change of address with Canada Post and advise your banks and other companies.

If you have concerns about your mail, or if you believe any mail has not been delivered, contact your mailers to ensure they have your correct mailing address, report it to Canada Post Customer Service, 1-800-267-1177, and report suspicious activities to local police.