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West Kelowna  

Canada Post investigating

After dozens of packages have been stolen from mailboxes that were broken into across the Okanagan, Canada Post said they are investigating the incidents. 

Mailboxes in West Kelowna and Peachland were ransacked Friday early morning and it appears the thieves are still at it.

A mailbox on Shannon Place in West Kelowna was found opened on Wednesday afternoon with nothing inside.

“We take the security of the mail very seriously and do everything possible to keep it safe,” said Phil Legault, spokesperson for Canada Post. “Our efforts involve everything from equipment, to monitoring, to working closely with police.”

West Kelowna RCMP said they received a report of a suspicious male and vehicle observed on Friday that they believe was involved with breaking into community mailboxes in the area of Paramount Drive and Ryser Place.

A resident told police they saw a man near the mailboxes early Friday morning with a key.

Police said the male is believed to be in his 40s and was travelling a light blue 2000’s Volkswagen Passat.

When the man was spotted he reportedly “jumped into his vehicle and sped away from the area without his driving lights activated,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

RCMP examined the mailboxes and found them undamaged with no signs of forced entry.

Investigators have canvassed the homes in the area for video surveillance.

On the same day, RCMP were contacted about another theft from mailboxes in the Trepanier Road area.

O’Donaghey added that on Tuesday evening a concerned resident reported a suspicious vehicle full of parcels near a mailbox in the Shannon Woods Drive area.

“RCMP conducted queries of the vehicle and were able to confirm with Canada Post that the registered owner of the vehicle was a sub contractor delivering packages in the area,” said O’Donaghey.

Legault said Canada Post cannot comment on specific incidents as they are currently in the middle of an investigation but asked that anyone who witnessed suspicious activity contact 1-800-267-1177.

Canada post also advises that customers can sign up for Flex Delivery, which allows people to pick up their parcels at post offices.

RCMP said they are continuing to investigate.



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