Parcels torn open during post office break-in

Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle

Oliver RCMP and Canada Post are investigating another break-in at the post office on Fairview Road where culprits tore open some parcels on Feb. 27.

The Times Chronicle received a tip from a reliable source that someone broke into the building via the back door and that some items were “stolen.” But Canada Post did not confirm those details.

The post office was the victim of vandalism on Jan. 5 when numerous post office boxes were pried open. A suspect has yet to be identified in that incident.

Canada Post media relations officer Phil Rogers told the Times Chronicle the early morning break-in on Monday did not involve post office boxes this time.

“However, some parcels on the shelves of the retail office were torn open. Affected customers have received letters informing them about the situation and next steps.”

Rogers said he could not provide further details during the investigation.

“We take these matters and the security of the mail very seriously. We don’t divulge specific security measures or broader information related to our facilities or equipment publicly as doing so would hamper their effectiveness.”

Oliver RCMP Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said the matter is still under investigation, saying, “There is a lot going on there.”

He referred all further questions to Canada Post, which has its own investigators.

“We (the RCMP) can only do so much (in this case).”

The Post Office is able to keep offering its regular opening hours of Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Customers who believe they have not received a piece of lettermail should contact the sender. If they believe a parcel delivery is missing they should contact Canada Post’s customer service so they can look into it and potentially work with the sender, who may initiate a claim with Canada Post. 

Customers should also contact the sender to begin their claim for a refund or have the parcel sent to them again. Customers concerned about identity fraud should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

If customers have questions regarding their postal services, they can contact Canada Post’s Customer Service team online at canadapost.ca/support or by telephone at 1-866-607-6301.