Sammamish police ask residents to report suspicious vehicles, curb mail theft

Since Dec. 14, 2015, the department has received 34 reports of someone prying open locked mailboxes within the city. There are likely more incidences between then and Wednesday not represented in those 34 reports, Albright said. Additionally, those reports can include more than one mailbox being prowled.

By Megan Campbell • February 10, 2016 3:04 pm
Sammamish Police Department asks residents to keep a sharp eye out for mail theft.
Sammamish Police Department asks residents to keep a sharp eye out for mail theft.

The Sammamish Police Department is calling upon residents to help curb excessive mail theft within the city.

“We’ve got 60,000 residents here. That’s 60,000 eyes,” Sammamish Detective Bill Albright said Wednesday. “We want them to start writing down descriptions of cars, license plate numbers and immediately call 911.”

Since Dec. 14, 2015, the department has received 34 reports of someone prying open locked mailboxes within the city. There are likely more incidences between then and Wednesday not represented in those 34 reports, Albright said. Additionally, those reports can include more than one mailbox being prowled.

The person(s) responsible for the theft have used a flat blade or screwdriver, based on marks left behind, to pry open the specifically-targeted locked mailboxes.

Albright said the department is now starting to get reports of fraud related to the thefts.

“People are lax because they have a locked mailbox,” Albright said. “A lot of people just don’t pay attention.”

He said the usual victims of mail theft are those who have gone four to five days without checking on their mailbox. Thieves are likely looking to take incoming blank checks or credit cards, he said.

Residents can help guard against mail theft by checking their mail daily (and by reporting suspicious vehicles or people lingering by mailboxes).

“We need the public’s help,” he said. “Regardless of the time of day or night, call.”