By Alesha Capone
Police have warned residents about “a significant increase” in mail theft across Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
Acting Inspector Aaron Riches said police had noticed an increase in this type of offending in the past fortnight.
“The items these thieves are generally targeting are mail that contains people’s drivers licences, utility accounts, credit card transactions and bank statements,” he said.
“These items are then used by criminals to assume an identify and then defraud victims.”
Acting Inspector Aaron Riches said police were intent on cracking down on mail theft.
“We take this type of offending seriously and recognise the emotional toll it can take on an individual when their identity is stolen,” he said.
He said that on March 25, Wyndham police arrested two males in relation to mail theft.
“The males were interviewed in relation to possessing the proceeds of crime and theft and were both released,” he said.
“It is expected they will be charged on summons.”
Acting Inspector Riches said Victoria Police has a dedicated crime prevention team that provided advice and remedies to local community safety problems.
“We’d encourage the community to take simple steps to ensure they aren’t the victim of mail theft,” he said.
Acting Inspector Aaron Riches said these steps included:
•Consider purchasing a locked mailbox or fitting a lock to your mailbox.
•Emptying your mailbox frequently.
•Having mail held at the post office, or collected by a friend, when away for extended periods.
•Disposing of unwanted mail carefully and shredding documents with personal details.
•Making sure your mailbox is large enough for the mail to be dropped into a secure section so letters aren’t overflowing
Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or has information on mail theft is urged to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
