The Tamahere Community Committee (TCC) recently organised a meeting for local communities about the issue of the frequency of thefts from mailboxes in our area. The meeting was attended by the local MP, Tim van de Molen, Mayor, Jacqui Church, local Councillors, and representatives from the police and NZ Post.

The intention of the meeting was to get an overview of the mail theft problem, especially in our rural communities and to focus on some options/solutions to stop and prevent mail theft (what works and what does not).

The police confirmed that interfering with the mail in any way is an offence, but the fact is that, although there is reporting on local Facebook pages, the number of thefts reported to the police is low in this area when compared with similar issues in other areas. Therefore, if you suffer loss or see suspicious persons or behaviour around letterboxes please contact Police immediately on 105 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. While Police may not be able to respond immediately all information is collated and will indicate trends and perhaps identify individuals and patterns of offending. Any photos can also be submitted. Please also report the issue to NZ Post and let your neighbours know. Where you find discarded mail please bag it up and give it to the police for forensic analysis. Police also advised that Courier drivers have been active in reporting suspicious activity.

Some people shared their frustrations with the postal system both in terms of delivery and trying to make contact with the organisation. NZ Post confirmed that there can be several deliveries to the same address in one day because of the way the mail is organised and because there are other courier companies operating. They agreed that it is not always easy to know, from the look of the vehicle, whether it is an official delivery vehicle. NZ Post representatives offered to try to amalgamate mail and to ensure vehicles had official signage.

In summary, while attractive items continue to be delivered to mail boxes there is a risk of theft. To manage the situation individual property owners need to manage their own situation and work, with neighbours and officials, to deter thieves. Some roads are targeted more often. Depending on the situation options for individuals can include to empty the box daily, put a lock on the box, install surveillance, consider whether to move the box to increase visibility, track mail, and arrange to deliver valuable items to a more secure address, or collect in person. It is important to contact delivery agencies and the police when problems occur.

Thanks to the TCC. This was a good opportunity to share information, enlist the support of police and NZ post and identify some specific actions people can take to reduce loss and avoid potential harm.

What we can do:

• It is important to report to police (txt 105) any instance of mail theft, letter box tampering, or suspicious activity. The more reporting, the higher up the priority list we go. ie if there are 20 mailboxes tampered with on a road, there should be 20 reports to police, not one consolidated report.

• If you see mail theft in progress, that is a 111 call. Photograph what you can, note any details you think relevant, and forward to police on txt 105. Video is not supported on this forum. Do not confront the thieves.

• Clear you mailbox regularly, especially if you are expecting parcels. Some deliveries can be late in the day so a check at around 6 p.m. may make sense.

• Post your mail at a Post shop or letterbox rather than using the box flag.

• Consider putting a lock on your mailbox.

• Consider arranging for valuable items to be delivered to a more secure address or arrange pick up ( e.g. new bank cards).

• You can go on-line to NZ Post and allow, or not, a contractor to leave a parcel at your door without signature.

•  If you find mail on the road side handle it as little as possible and put in a clean plastic bag and take to Police Station for forensic examination. You can put a note in relevant letter boxes advising what you have done and asking them to please, as the victim, report the theft to 105 or online. https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

• It was suggested forming various neighborhood watch groups could enhance the work of the local security volunteers currently patrolling the area. On a less formal note, becoming better acquainted with our neighbors could help especially with monitoring vacant dwellings during holiday periods.

What can be done for us:

• Police will respond to calls as capacity allows and collate and review all reports to monitor criminal activity and identify culprits to charge.

• NZ Post gave an undertaking to brand their vehicles, and encourage their contractors to be more consistent with delivery times, and amalgamate deliveries where possible.