With summer vacation season underway, the Manning RCMP are reminding residents to take extra precautions to protect their mail and parcels while away from home.
Extended absences, combined with unattended deliveries, can create opportunities for mail theft, package theft, and mail-related fraud. Criminals often target residential areas during the summer when homes may be unoccupied for days or weeks at a time.
The Manning RCMP encourages the public to consider the following mail and parcel safety tips:
- Pause your mail delivery through Canada Post if you’re going to be away for an extended period or have a trusted neighbour or friend collect it daily.
- Track your parcels and try to schedule deliveries for when you’ll be home. Many courier services now offer delivery window estimates and secure pick-up alternatives.
- Consider using a locked mailbox or parcel drop box, especially in rural or high-theft areas.
- Install a doorbell camera or motion-sensor surveillance, which can deter package theft and assist police in identifying suspects if a theft occurs.
- Don’t advertise your absence on social media. Wait until you return from vacation to post photos or updates.
- Be cautious of mail-based scams, such as fake “missed delivery” notices, fraudulent sweepstakes letters, or packages that require unexpected payment on delivery.
Also be aware of these common mail-related scams:
- Phishing scams posing as delivery notifications from Canada Post, FedEx, or UPS that ask you to click on a link or provide personal information.
- Fake prize or lottery mailings claiming you’ve won money or goods and must pay a fee to collect them.
- “Brushing scams” where you receive unsolicited goods, potentially indicating your identity or address has been compromised.
“We at the Manning RCMP want to remind everyone that when you’re away from home, even for a short duration, unprotected mail and packages can become easy targets that come with lasting consequences should they fall into the wrong hands. Please arrange for a trusted neighbour to collect them or use a secure delivery option. Please call in any suspicious behaviour that you may see whether it be on a rural property or here in town. Looking out for one another is one of the simplest ways we keep our community and its residents safe.” – Cpl. David Fogarty
If you receive suspicious mail or suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, call 911 and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
If you observe suspicious activity near mailboxes or package drop-off areas, contact the RCMP non-emergency line at 310-RCMP (7267) or call 911 in the event of a crime in progress.
For more safety tips follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.