SURREY RCMP are reminding people about taking the necessary precautions to safeguard their mail year round, especially during the holidays. Over the last few weeks, communities throughout the Lower Mainland, including Surrey, have been victimized by break-ins into mailboxes.

Surrey RCMP strongly recommend adherence to the following safety tips that will minimize the opportunities for mail theft:

* Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after delivery – don’t leave mail unattended in your mailbox overnight

* If you’re planning a holiday, have someone retrieve your mail on a daily basis – or, for a small fee, Canada Post will hold your mail at the delivery office and deliver it upon your return

* If you receive mail that is not yours, do not leave it in an unprotected area. Write “Delivered to wrong address” or “not at this address” on the front of the envelope. Deposit the letter into an outgoing mail slot of a Canada Post mailbox at your earliest convenience

* It is always a good idea to check your mail regularly and use postal money orders

* Check the physical security of your mailbox to ensure there are no gaps or damage

* If you see a damaged or overturned mailbox, contact Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.

“Our Property Crime Target Team is working with other police agencies to try and identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these thefts across the region,” says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet. “Understanding that the public is essential in supporting our efforts, we ask that they report suspicious people, vehicles or activities in their neighbourhood, especially in close proximity to mailboxes.”

The RCMP works closely with Canada Post inspectors to combat mail and identity theft. Report any suspicious activity to police.

Anyone with information relating to mail thefts, is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or if they wish to remain anonymous, CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.