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Monday's Internet Edition, January 05, 2009.
Wilton postmaster reports mail theft at post office
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Photo by Fran Soto
Early on Thursday morning, Oct. 2, employees at the Wilton Post Office discovered that this mail collection can in the parking lot had been vandalized and mail had been stolen.
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By Fran Soto
River Valley Times Staff
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According to Wilton Postmaster Marvin Yokoi, the mail collection can in the parking lot at the Wilton Post Office was vandalized and mail was stolen sometime during the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 1 or the early morning hours of Oct. 2.
In a sign posted at the entrance to the post office, mail customers are encouraged to complete a mail theft and vandalism complaint form if they suspect their mail may have been stolen. “This form asks for a return address, where it was going, and any check numbers so we can do a paper trail,” Yokoi said. “We will send it to the proper authorities.”
The last mail pickup for the day is 4:40 p.m., and mail deposited in the collection can after that time is not picked up until the next day. According to Yokoi, a customer notified one of the clerks at the will call window at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 that the collection can had been vandalized. “Someone had used two crowbars to open the door at the back,” Yokoi said. “There was some mail inside which had either not been taken or dropped in after the theft occurred.” The damage may not have been evident to drivers pulling up to the collection can.
In a joint effort between law enforcement and postal inspectors to recover stolen mail and catch the perpetrators, residents are encouraged to file the necessary forms with appropriate businesses to protect themselves against identity theft. “Notify your bank and whatever businesses you were mailing to and ask if they have received your mail,” said Lieutenant Rosie Enriquez, Wilton Service Center commander. “Be vigilant with your accounts and watch for any activity.”
Although all initial reports of mail stolen should be reported to Postmaster Yokoi, if identity theft results from the incident, residents are encouraged to contact the Wilton Service Center at 11080 Jeff Brian Lane, Suite A. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call 687-8774. “If identify theft happens, we will be happy to take a report,” Enriquez said. “Collectively, we may be able to come up with something.”
According to Enriquez, mail theft in rural areas is a real threat. She encourages residents to gather mail from roadside mailboxes every day. “It is important not to leave that mail out overnight,” she said. “And don’t put that flag up; that’s like waving a cape at the bull.”
Postmaster Yokoi also encourages his customers to be aware of the possibility of mail theft. “The best advice I can give when dropping off mail is that our collection time is 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drop off mail prior to pickup so it doesn’t sit in the can overnight,” he said. “If the mail has already been picked up, put it into the mail drop in the building.” Yokoi advised that the drop-off box inside the building is open 24 hours a day and the area is well lit.
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