Numerous Saltair mailboxes were broken into early last week and need to be replaced before service resumes.
Canada Post Media Relations spokesperson Nicole Lecompte confirmed the community mailboxes located at 10780 Olsen Road were vandalized.
There have been similar incidents all over the Island and speculation is it’s tied to the legalization of cannabis, with people trying to get their hands on product sent through the mail.
The culprits are obviously unaware that cannabis sent through the mail has to be picked up at the post office and is not delivered to rural mailboxes.
Lecompte noted the incident was reported to police, postal inspectors and local operations.
Area G (Saltair/Gulf Islands) director-elect Lynne Smith spoke to people who were taping up the broken boxes. She said they informed her the boxes will be replaced with new ones, but it might take several weeks.
“I was advised that those with broken boxes will have to pick their mail up at the post office in Ladysmith for those that have mail delivery from the Ladysmith Post Office and for those that have mail delivery from the Chemainus Post Office they will need to pick up their mail at the Chemainus Post Office,” Smith indicated.
These incidents always generate discussions about setting up Neighbourhood Watch programs. Smith advised contacting the RCMP to work out the details for their area of Saltair.
“Good to hear that people in the Saltair community are wanting to get started on helping keep the Saltair community and their neighbourhood safe,” she added.
Lecompte assured Canada Post is committed to doing everything possible to support the police in their efforts to stopping those who commit property crimes.
“We take these matters and the security of the mail very seriously,” she indicated. “While we do not provide specifics, our efforts involve everything from equipment, to monitoring, to working closely with police.”
She encouraged anyone who witnesses suspicious activities to immediately report it to the police and contact Canada Post’s Customer Service at 1-800-267-1177.