How to stop a mail thief. Need suggestions, video of mail thief included.

Ljayc on 12/08/2014 - 22:52
Last edited 12/08/2014 - 22:52

Hi all. I live in a unit complex in Homebush West, NSW. There have been reports of people getting their mail stolen for the last couple of months and one person had some money taken from their bank account (presumably due to stolen mail).

So on Monday, 11 August 2014 one of the low lifes decided to go through everyones mail in my unit complex. Unfortunately for me, I found a ripped open parcel belonging to me. From what I can tell it contained the 2 Tikbro USB cables I bought from eBay, which were advertised on here last week. (How brazen is he to just leave my ripped open parcel lying there letting me know that someone's gone through my mail.

Unluckily for this mail thief our unit complex has a security camera facing the mail box. However, the video is not the best quality and I can't make out his face. I've decided to upload that footage onto YouTube anyway.

Link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwW1C2RReyE
(You can see him ripping open my parcel, makes my blood boil).

Luckily it was only a couple of dollars worth of cables this time. However, what I'm afraid of is the mail thief getting his hands on our tax returns, bank statements etc. Now that's a scary proposition. I've thought of some things I can do now:

  1. Report the incident to police and give them the video.
  2. Take a screenshot of the mail thief and put in letterboxes around the neighbourhood.
  3. Get a PO Box, but the cost is $114/year.

What I want to ask OzBargainers is for suggestions on what I should do now and what I can do to prevent future mail getting stolen from the unit complex. Get creative guys, I want to punish this a***hole.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • tight-a55 on 12/08/2014 - 23:05
    +7

    that is nuts! did that old woman also rob the box on the end? i want to suggest booby traping your mailbox with a nasty electric shock delivered by a bank of eneloop batteries, but i guess that's illegal. think i'll be buying a better lock for my mailbox this week

    • jayc on 12/08/2014 - 23:12
      +2

      The old woman lives in the unit complex. She might have got a better look at his face. I will have a talk with her later this week to see if she remembers anything.

      • nikey2k27 on 15/08/2014 - 08:06
        +1

        talk to her show her video soon as mind forget. i would if some body that live country get po box used there address my only cost $25 per year. As mum and dad place dose not get mail services.

        • rushil01 on 15/08/2014 - 22:29
          -7

          I'm guessing English isn't your first language. You're doing pretty well but sorry to say that you have a long way to go…

    • donga100 on 12/08/2014 - 23:34
      +14

      I like the idea of electrifying things but you might find the postie stops delivering to you after a couple of days.

      • danyool on 17/08/2014 - 22:21

        I like the idea of attaching a sniper rifle to that webcam! That'll stop him!

    • BALLE BALLE on 13/08/2014 - 21:50

      Copy & Pasted from youtube comments
      Not sure if you noticed but there is a finger @0.09s pointing in the bottom left of the frame. Seems to be pointing to your box. Where is the camera setup?

      • jayc on 13/08/2014 - 22:39

        That's probably just a leaf. The camera is set up on a tenants first floor balcony pointing downwards at the mailbox. My mailbox is more towards the middle.

    • irajohn90 on 14/08/2014 - 21:22
      +4

      Best thing to do is print out a flyer with a screenshot of him and place it in all the mailboxes in the area to let people keep a look out. Not only would this keep people informed but the next time he comes around and sees the flyer he will know the heat is onto him. Better yet place a link to all four posts and videos online on the flyer

  • juventino on 12/08/2014 - 23:08
    +8

    It seems there is no lock on the mailbox so the first thing is definitely locking it if possible.

    Observe the day and time it occurred, he will probably be coming back around the same time, so you might have the chance to confront him, preferably with several of your neighbour. Remember the hat, he'll come back with a hat to cover his face.

    If you want to play with him though

    1. print a still from the video, put it in several mailboxes previously ransacked, let him find them.

    2. get a cheap usb, transfer the video there and let him take it.

    He'll probably think twice before coming back. You can mention the police on the still picture or in the USB

    • jayc on 12/08/2014 - 23:14
      +6

      The mailboxes have locks on them, however the postie is lazy and doesn't stick the letters right in, so the end of the letters are still hanging out.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 00:32
        +3

        Contact your local post office and try to get that issue sorted then, maybe? Perhaps they can forward the message to your posties. Explain to them what's happened with your neighbours having money stolen etc as a result of the posties not placing whole envelopes into the mail boxes.

        The thief/thieves could be making a decent mint. We regularly receive gift cards in the mail from credit card rewards. I'm sure the same applies to some of your neighbours. Then the identity theft risks. Total bastards whoever is doing it to you all :(

        Maybe rig up a pinhole camera with better resolution near the boxes? lol

      • IIGnomeII on 13/08/2014 - 09:18

        Did the package fit fully in the letterbox? You may be able to make some sort of hinged flap that can be stuck on the back of the opening…

        I would chat to the person at 2min and see if they have seen that person around before or recognise them.
        Failing that you check with the post office if you can put a label on the box that all parcels be kept at the local PO and not delivered to the box, all regular mail would be fine.

      • lysp on 15/08/2014 - 12:01

        I had a credit card replacement stolen recently too from apartment complex.

        I contacted AusPost and put in a complaint about the postie not fully pushing letters in (they were always sticking out). They said they would contact local area and follow up on it.

        Haven't noticed any sticking out in the last week or 2, so looks like the complain did work.

      • hornoscous on 16/08/2014 - 00:43

        If you want some funny footage, put a cactus in the mailbox…or mount mouse traps to the back of the slot?

  • scrimshaw on 12/08/2014 - 23:12
    +26

    1. Report it to the police ASAP with the link to the video.

    2. Get a PO BOX. seriously, $114 a year is much better than potential thousands of dollars lost through mail theft.

    3. Rig your mailbox with a Sonic Grenade. Basically, a personal alarm (also called anti-rape alarms, here is a cheaper option). Get yourself a nice big yellow envelope, and rig the envelope so that the alarm will go off when the pin is pulled from the device (use your creativity, some tape and dental floss to make the sonic trap).
      The alarm will screech as soon as the package is opened.

    • LaProblematique on 12/08/2014 - 23:21
      +5

      Why pay for a PO Box when half the issue is an incompetent postie not doing their job correctly?

      I'd show the video to your local post office with a photo of how the letters are always sticking out to see if they can rectify the problem on their end.

      As for the thief, first show the cops but I can't imagine they'll bring in Caruso to enhance the image to get a clear mug shot. See if they recommend sticking up a screenshot of the perp at the boxes.

      • scrimshaw on 12/08/2014 - 23:34
        +35

        Why pay for a PO Box when half the issue is an incompetent postie not doing their job correctly?

        Because, PO boxes are near impossible to steal from, and second, it's great because you never ever have to seperate real mail from junk mail since it doesn't have a slot for people to put their crap in — PO box is junk mail bliss.

        Also there are times when you order articles that may be too large and the postie decides to shove it into your mailbox anyway — STUPID of them, I know, but the posties don't care because the do the same job everyday and their empathy factor is zero.

        Here is my devious plan for the sonic trap
        http://imgur.com/E1ZDobC

        Alternatively, you might want to visit Jumpo's house, pickup his snake and put it inside the mailbox to give the thief a little scare when he reaches his hand in :)

        • jayc on 12/08/2014 - 23:39
          +3

          Thanks scrimshaw, I might actually give that a try. It'll at least be worth it watching the thief's reaction on video.

        • retiredfeline on 12/08/2014 - 23:40

          I was going to post "snake in the box" but you beat me to it.

        • imcold on 13/08/2014 - 09:50

          you'd probably need one that will turn the alarm off after 15 seconds. Otherwise it will be a sound nuisance.

          Maybe a motion detected chime would be better.

        • JediJan on 13/08/2014 - 12:04
          +1

          Gee I am so lame … Was going to suggest some squishy fake spiders in everyone's mail boxes for a time.

          You know, stealing mail is supposed to be a federal offence; Police do need to get involved.

        • effgee on 13/08/2014 - 17:34
          +2

          I like the way you think. Theoretically, if you were particularly viscious, you'd arrange some jagged metal blades facing angled inwards to the mailbox, so when the thief rips his hand out in response the the sudden loud sound, it cuts his arm.

          Obviously that would be illegal though.

        • Bystander on 13/08/2014 - 20:33
          +2

          FWIW my PO Box gets junk mail almost every week. It's put there by the Post Office staff.

        • Daabido on 14/08/2014 - 11:06

          @Bystander: You can ask them to put a note not to put junk mail in the your PO Box but it's very hit and miss.

    • blitz on 13/08/2014 - 00:04
      +22

      4 Never steal from Scrimshaw. He has very particular set of skills.

      • juventino on 13/08/2014 - 00:51
        +16

        Skills he has acquired over a very long career. Skills that make him a nightmare for people like you. If you let it go now, that'll be the end of it. He will not look for you, He will not pursue you. But if you don't, He will look for you, He will find you, and He will kill you.

        • daveted on 14/08/2014 - 10:45

          That's ridiculous. suggesting he will kill you personally.

          No, he will kill your family.
          one
          by
          one

          and make it look like you did it.

  • x0b0k7x on 12/08/2014 - 23:28
    +3

    I done option 3, same shit happening at my complex, f**kin pest.
    These pest will def. come back, image or no image, you'll just give them a heads up to wear a mask next time.
    for parcels there's the free option through Aus post parcel lockers.
    for signature delivery maybe opt to your work address?

    Check the asian lady, if she seen that rat or know which apartment he lives.
    Trust me the asians usually knows the whole complex and may know where lives where.

    edit: putting a lock on ur mailbox doesnt help either, they will brake it off and continue their shit.

    • jayc on 12/08/2014 - 23:32

      I've had a talk with people in the unit committee and the thief definitely does not live in our unit complex

      • x0b0k7x on 12/08/2014 - 23:36
        +1

        Really consider a po box, the only hassle you'll have is calling all your providers the change of mailing address.
        After your mail box is empty maybe try some of these? killer mystery box? Make a little nest of surprises :)
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFmEHNvs5BY

        Then watch the cctv once his back hehe~

  • timmypete on 12/08/2014 - 23:30
    +1

    If you still have the torn up parcel the police might be able to check it for prints.

    This is why I'm glad I have a PO box. Yes $114 is an extra cost, but I've saved on mail redirections when moving house twice.

  • MustResistPurchase on 12/08/2014 - 23:36
    +24

    Some options:

    • Report it to the police.
    • Share the video with friends and family.
    • Spread the video on social media.
    • Put a label/sticker on your postbox saying, "You're on camera, smile!"
    • Put something hazardous/disgusting in your mailbox
    • Contact your local post office and ask that the postman ensures the mail is properly inserted.
    • Take a month off work and sit behind the mailbox. Waiting for the prey to appear. Once it is within your sights, harpoon the sucker right in the jaw. Then drag him through the streets as the crowds of people rejoice.
    • ahly92 on 13/08/2014 - 17:08
      +13

      i like the last option!

  • sparkles on 13/08/2014 - 00:30
    +9

    Hide behind the brick wall and when he opens your mailbox jump out at him with a baseball bat.

    Seriously though, leave a letter addressed to "Mailbox Thief" outlining (on bikie gang letterhead) that he is now on camera, the police are aware of his activities, and he had better cease and desist stealing mail for his own benefit.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 00:38
      +4

      +1 for hiding behind the wall. Maybe throw a bucket of flour (or paint) over his head so he's easily identifiable when he makes a run for it.

      I eagerly await the video footage…

    • OldBugger on 13/08/2014 - 00:54
      +24

      A bikie gang that has their own letterheads and contacts police. They sound quite nice fellows

  • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 00:40
    +6

    I can't believe how brazen this guy is… and how he actually goes through the mail while AT the mailboxes lol. What the hell. You'd think they'd just grab what they could and run off to check their treasures in a safer place - not stand there where residents could easily spring up, catching him with all their torn up mail around him and in his hands.

    Freaking idiot. Shouldn't be hard to catch him.

    • cwongtech on 13/08/2014 - 00:52
      +1

      The thief must have watched the video on youtube from Vice (I think it was) about how a few scammers can live off stolen identities.

      All they need are not-shredded bags of mail from the same complex, and a few bags usually give them enough personal details to steal bank account details.

      Definitely report to police/AFP and report for possible identity fraud activities.
      Don't even bother confronting, just steamroll this thief.

  • OldBugger on 13/08/2014 - 00:46
    +2

    Same thing you do with all rats. Plant a rat trap in there covered with purple rat poison

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 00:56
      +3

      Hey. I have pet rats. Not all rats are horrible :(

      • OldBugger on 13/08/2014 - 01:10
        +1

        I mean all evil rats.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 08:46
        +4

        Seriously cute photo.

        I promise to have a look at your new Wiki-page on OzBargain when it's up…
        'How to inexpensively and effectively remove blueberry stains from your little pet's paws & claws'
        …
        …

        Last edited by waterlogged turnip on…
        Only ever edited by waterlogged turnip…

  • Extinction Rebellion on 13/08/2014 - 05:12
    +1

    Probably the guy is doing lots of places, maybe contact the committee for a number of other local units. Then go again to the police, it would be very easy from the videos to note the time of day the dick is dropping by to check everyone's mail for them.
    Also, post on whirlpool.net.au for more advice.

  • woodwa on 13/08/2014 - 07:45
    +3

    Trap them with somthing that tracks GPS location…. Okay maybe the police should do that!

  • srhardy on 13/08/2014 - 07:53

    evil shit! but its so common and now with contractor mail delivery - they just don't spend the few seconds required to put mail all the way into your letter box for security… Complain to the PO in writing but it won't help alas

    +1 on paying for a PO BOX, only solution that works

  • here2rock on 13/08/2014 - 08:06
    +3

    Get a PO box, try getting your banks statements etc via electronic means.

  • ibelynn on 13/08/2014 - 08:51
    +1

    If it was me I would a unit knock, if you watch the video you can see his body shape,he is quite stocky, not lean and mean, he is not caucasian, and his ears go forward. You could easily recognize him. Thats if he lives in your block
    Also go the post office about the postie, they will talk to him.

  • drdolphin on 13/08/2014 - 08:54
    +6

    Why not print up a few screen grabs of the guy and stick them in letterboxes around the street, and on electricity poles etc, saying this guy has been filmed stealing mail and to contact police if anyone knows him. The clothes are pretty specific, and I'm sure someone knows the guy. The hat for example if pretty unusual, so someone will know.

    If nothing else, it might embarrass him into staying away.

    But definitely report him to the police

    • Davo1111 on 13/08/2014 - 14:56
      +1

      This is actually the best advice imo

      Report the guy to police, if they dont recognise him, paste his photo on every street pole in the neighbourhood.

      • woz on 13/08/2014 - 19:38

        Give a COPY of the video to police.

        Definitely inform the police that you understand how busy they are, and that's why you're organising a vigilante street gang to lay in wait each day at around the same time as the thefts in the video.

        Don't forget to ask the police what the procedure is when attempting to make a citizen's arrest.

  • ldtl on 13/08/2014 - 09:31

    as others have mentioned, PObox will is ur best bet (up to a point, u do get the rare dodgy postal workers….). Unless the person is known to the police, they wont do much other than add it to their statistics. even if they catch him, he would just be some guy who gets paid to get as much letters (banks, bills, rta, ato at this time of the yr being the most popular)as he can and give it to organised gangs. if prosecuted he will just get a slap on the wrist… the punishments for fraud are next to pathetic here….
    I used to work in frauds for a major bank and the majority of ID theft was linked to simple mail theft…. u'll be surprised the majority of homes don't have lockable mail boxes, or even if they do, its left unlocked cos its more 'convenient'.

    I suggest u monitor ur bank accounts and sign up for the veda credit file notifications if u r particularly worried

    • backpaqer on 13/08/2014 - 10:48
      +1

      I get all my goodies posted to work (or my wife's work)…all bank statements and bills go to my email. I'm feeling that this subject has been discussed before…I'm sure I've typed this exact sentence before…somewhere…

  • backpaqer on 13/08/2014 - 10:47
    +5

    Leave a moderately fat parcel in your mail box addresses from Nigeria saying that it is your finders fee payment and leave a dye bomb in it or something that goes spastic when opened…maybe even Jumpo's green tree snake

  • apprentice01 on 13/08/2014 - 11:07
    -4

    CONNECT A ELECTRIC CURRENT TO YOUR LETTERBOX SO WHEN HE PUTS HIS HAND IN THERE WHAM :)
    STOP HIM FROM PUTTING FINGERS WHERE THEY SHOULDNT BE

    • Davo1111 on 13/08/2014 - 14:57
      +4

      And kill your postie, or an innocent bystander. Spend the rest of your life in jail

  • AliG on 13/08/2014 - 12:02
    +45

    Hi mate,

    You live in Marlborough Road, i know this because i'm the guy walking past in your video ( i reside at 38-40 on the other side of austin park)
    I remember quickly glancing over at the guy and he looked dodgy as. He was kneeling down going through an envelope and i could tell from his reaction something wasn't right

    We've had our letterboxes broken into and have had mail going missing lately too.I made a complaint to australia post (for dumping large packages) however the situation deteriorated so i assumed word got back to him and he's got it in for me

    I would notify australia post and forward the video onto the police

    • jayc on 13/08/2014 - 12:14
      +2

      Hi alig, yes that's correct.

      It seems like a major problem in our area and its being happening for a while now. I know people from my unit complex have reported it to the police on 2 previous occasions with video of the perpetrator (not sure if it's the same one as I haven't seen those videos) but its still happening.

      I will have a talk to the post office on the weekend to see if they can have a chat to the postie and also to not leave parcels in the mailbox.

    • lousy on 13/08/2014 - 16:48
      +15

      wtf. ozbargain is watching…

      • MelbBargainChaser77 on 16/08/2014 - 11:51

        GRABS POPCORN AND AWAITS THE CONCLUSION OF THIS SHOW

    • evol on 13/08/2014 - 17:39
      +25

      Plot twist: alig is actually the thief.

      :P

    • YTW on 14/08/2014 - 08:49
      +4

      That's amazing. What are the chances of it being another OzBargainer walking past!?!?!

      Perfect demonstration of the power of the internet - one post and you've already found the guy walking past while it happened.

    • Geewhizz on 26/08/2014 - 06:43
      -1

      You live in M….. Road, i know this because i'm the guy walking past in your video ( i reside at …. on the other side of ….)

      You might like to edit that info out of your post now alig. You really don't want that info readily available on the net for the rest of forever.

  • Porco Rosso on 13/08/2014 - 12:18
    +3

    Well there appear to be a few "mail stealing gangs" around Sydney. It's not just cash, gift cards or credit cards they steal. They might very well even steal your identity! Identity fraud is getting a lot more common than we may realise! Example: The thief has your bank statement which has your full name, address, transactions and in some cases the full credit card number (yes NAB and ANZ, I'm looking at you two!!!). Now they'll ring you (home phone number found from whitepages) and say they're calling from the bank. They'll have your details, they'll say we just want to confirm if you actually spent $50 on ebay on 08/07/2014 as we've had reports of fraudulent activities. And you'd be like, yeah they sound legit because the transaction was a real one. The next you know is they want to confirm the expiry date and the CCV number on your card. Or even worse getting more personal details like driving license number, etc and then call you after a few months armed with more details. At the end of all this, they'll have all the information on you to steal your identity!

    My friend in Strathfield has had this issue for years. We've recently moved to Wahroonga and we've found out mailbox open a few times. Not just us but a few other units too. All of the mailboxes are usually locked and some of them even changed their locks. However it's not stopping the thieves. In our case, we have a good postie who actually puts the mail inside the mailbox properly so even the bigger envelopes don't stick out. But it's of no use as the thieves seem to have some sort of a master key and easily open the mailboxes. The only common thing is it always happens late at night and (thus far) never during the day. So the way we tackle this is by checking the mailbox everyday. I've made it a habit now to check my mailbox every evening when I return from work. That way there's nothing left in there for them to steal.

    Recently, I also received a letter from a Detective senior constable from the Quakers Hill Police station. The letter said that they've found a stash of stolen mail and there are some letters there with my name on them. I'm yet to contact the officer but I'm hoping that they've got the thieving bastards!

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 12:37
      +3

      Jesus. I knew that sort of thing happened but didn't really actually think it was that common. I'd always given my mum crap for obsessively scratching out personal details on our mail before recycling them, but now I see she's not so foolish afterall. Damn.

      This world is crazy.

      • iseenya on 14/08/2014 - 08:38
        +1

        ANZ credit card statements DO NOT have the full credit card number on them - the last 4 digits are deliberately different.

  • JediJan on 13/08/2014 - 12:25
    +1

    My problem is that we receive the mail for the next street (same numbers but different street) quite regularly ,, for years now. Have left notes for the recipient where his mail is going, that we are delivering it for him personally, but this still happens. Last time (Friday evening) I had my son drop off some official looking (important) envelope to him, and he said he was waiting for it. What to do? I thought it was up to the recipient to make the complaint, not I.

    • YTW on 14/08/2014 - 08:53
      +4

      Next time you drop it off suggest that they make a complaint. They probably don't have a major issue…it's you doing the work. Maybe delay handing it over for a few days, get slack, and they might be more motivated to complain.

  • AliG on 13/08/2014 - 12:28
    +3

    I vaguely remember the guy, i'll keep an eye out.. i'll recognise his face if i see him again…
    Your unit block looks more secure than does ours so not sure if you've also had to deal with people entering the building and making their way to the car park, going through your things/breaking into cars, but thats super frustrating

    Keep us posted on how you go…

    • JediJan on 13/08/2014 - 12:49
      +16

      Keeping an eye out really can work.

      After I saw a couple take a little "lost" dog outside my unit home, with instructions I gave them to take her to a local vet, ring the pound, advertise in shops etc., a few days later I had an upset lady and her children knock on my door asking about whether we had seen the dog (only lived a few doors away). Yes, I should have put my foot in and said I'd take the dog as it must belong close to my home, but this couple insisted they lived close and would do the right thing. I gave the lady what details I could, took her number and said I would keep an eye out for the couple. The dog was never returned. I saw the couple walk past my unit again about 8 months later, and my memory then brought back even more details of things this couple said then (about having another of the same type of dog at home). I covertly followed them (lots of trees in our area) and followed them to their street corner, noting a similar dog run out to greet them at the gate … Anyways, I immediately rang the true owners of the dog, and the husband recovered dog asap. The people that "took" the dog apparently claimed they advertised the dog in a local shop (far from location of collection of said dog by the way). You may find it interesting to know that the true owners of the dog actually knew of the couple that took the dog .. small World it is! They could have reported them to the Police but didn't; I think they were just so relieved to have their dog back.

  • Richardc on 13/08/2014 - 13:19

    get finger print first

  • cruise control on 13/08/2014 - 13:24
    +15

    Step 1: Put dog shit in parcel
    Step 2: Put in letter box
    Step 3: Wait for the culprits
    Step 4: Film their expressions and put on youtube

  • beej8 on 13/08/2014 - 13:56
    +3

    Australia Post now offer this service: http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/parcel-lockers.html

    I also have one of these at my front door, though as you live in an apartment box, it may not be so easy, unless you get one and everyone shares it:

    http://www.pakmanparcelbox.com.au/

    brought it from Bunnings

    • marquise on 13/08/2014 - 16:14

      Re: pakman mailbox Are these things practical? Do all the courier/delivery companies participate?

  • zambuck on 13/08/2014 - 14:01
    +10

    I had an issue with mail theft some years ago in the Chippendale area. The police weren't interested at all. The theft of a bank or credit card statement under NSW law is effectively the theft of the envelope and piece of paper, so a few cents. The advice from the local crime prevention officer was to:

    a) put a better lock on the mailbox;
    b) because it's a bank of mailboxes, break the existing insecure lock so the strata would permit me to attach a better lock; and
    c) get a PO Box.

    I ended up getting the PO Box, but because the thieves had gotten credit card statements and subsequently used my card number at various places, I did my own detective work. I managed to get a few details from retailers where the card number was used, and so eventually discovered that the thieves had placed a phone order to a jeweller for delivery of a $2000 item to a hotel. When the courier called to confirm the delivery and was asked to deliver to the foyer he got suspicious and turned up with the police. The thieves were arrested. I still had to call my local police and tell them to speak to the jeweller's local police to link the two cases.

    Oddly, some weeks later I had my Sunday morning interrupted by a knock on the unit door, an oddity in a security building. A police woman asks for my name, then says "You look familiar, what did I lock you up for?" and hands me a summons to give evidence in the case. Gotta love the NSW police.

    Waiting in the courthouse to give evidence, I ended up chatting with someone else who knew more about the thieves. It seems their entire "career" centred around mail theft. Their rent, electricity, gas, everything was paid for using stolen credit card numbers. It was almost inevitable that the law would catch up with them eventually.

    TLDR: Get the PO Box, it's cheaper and easier than dealing with police/criminals. Hope for karma to bite them on the arse.

  • andyken on 13/08/2014 - 15:34
    +3

    Print word "YOU HAVE BEEN WATCH, MAILBOX PROTECTED BY 24 HOUR SURVEILLANCE CAMERA"

    Laminate it and stick in front of the brick post box :)

    • Windows7forever on 13/08/2014 - 19:13
      +2

      I like that - direct and strong words of caution.

  • t_c on 13/08/2014 - 16:12
    +6

    Put a cheap secondhand iphone in parcel wait for it to get taken and use the track my phone feature to track the theives. Rock up to theives home with cops in tow.

    • forkus on 14/08/2014 - 11:18

      I highly doubt that a thief that has been doing this for a while would fall for this.

      First thing they would do is turn off the phone and remove the SIM card. If they were to turn it back on again, it would be to wipe the phone and they would do it in a place that could not be linked to them.

      • OBone on 14/08/2014 - 21:59
        +2

        You are giving the theif too much credit.

  • X3 on 13/08/2014 - 16:23
    +8

    I live nearby and can guarantee you that these mail thieves have been doing this for much much longer than the last couple of months. We've been having the same issue from last year. Ppl have had IDs stolen, credit cards used into oblivion (ipads/iphones/tvs/clothes - thousands and thousands of dollars worth of stuff basically)and packages stolen.

    These scumbags rely on people's apathy. If all the residents worked together and kept an eye out, these low lifes wld find it much much more difficult to do their thing - one person going thru multiple mailboxes is super suspicious and it takes time to go from box to box.

    The police can't really do much, even if they cld rock up from time to time, they have to be at the right place at precisely the right time AND they wld have to be in plain clothes.

    Best thing to do really is to get as clear a pic of the POS as possible, print an enlarged copy and paste it up right as the mailbox (with accompanying comments).

    OR, if ur place is like mine, where no ones gives a crap (ironic isnt it?) - move everything online and utilize Austpost's Parcel Pickup service.

    I didnt mention paying for a PO Box because that wld be balsphemous on Ozbargain :)

  • Seiko on 13/08/2014 - 16:29
    +4

    Show the footage to the local cops. You will be suprised who they know, either by his previous history, build or even his hat.

    Don't underestimate them.

  • Unorthodox on 13/08/2014 - 16:48
    +6

    Claymore mine

    • timmypete on 13/08/2014 - 18:54
      +2

      Claymore mine? How about an "old school" claymore?

  • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 17:22
    +4

    Theft of mail is a Federal offence.

    I'm unable to view the video but unless there's a clear face shot of the offender, there's nothing the police can do. I'd like someone to explain to me how you can identify someone by looking at the back of their head?

    Printing a cardboard box is not an option unless the surface is smooth shiny, clean and completely free of contaminants. If the box has been handled by someone other than the offender then the issue of contamination is more than likely.

    People watch too much television. Forensic investigation on the TV is far removed from the real world.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 18:53
      -3

      OK, I've seen the video. I wouldn't waste any police time with it. They've got bigger things to deal with and this will go nowhere.

      Even the person who bumps into the crook wouldn't be a good witness because it was only a split second glance.

      Good luck with it.

    • zambuck on 14/08/2014 - 07:29

      Theft of mail from Australia Post is a federal offence. Theft of mail from a private letter box is theft of an envelope and sheets of paper under NSW law. I've confirmed with both Australia Post and NSW police.

  • cwongtech on 13/08/2014 - 17:39
    +3

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA4R84xfLOQ

    Guys please watch this.
    This is why you should make sure your mail gets delivered.

  • Diji1 on 13/08/2014 - 17:56
    +2

    Report this to the police and post office immediately if you haven't already done so. Report it again if nothing happens.

    This is a serious offense with potentially serious consequences for yourself and others such as identity theft and hopefully they'll get off their proverbials and watch your mailboxes to apprehend this ****hole.

    I'd guess that while video evidence may not get a conviction it's surely going to help in other ways like allowing them to know who isn't supposed to be opening mailboxes.

  • waterstone on 13/08/2014 - 18:03
    +3

    I live in homebush west too and had the same problem. What we did was change all the post boxes to a tubular lock. We haven't had any issues since. You should get your Strata committee to change all the locks as it works out way cheaper that way.

  • Ughhh on 13/08/2014 - 18:19
    +2

    Get a cheap phone with GPS tracker installed and put it in a parcle bag, then in your mail box. When he's back to take the phone, hunt him down with some Bikies!

  • fusion17 on 13/08/2014 - 18:24
    +1

    The police are pretty useless but may be more up with the times now.

    Something similar happened to me and their advice left me feeling safe. However, luckily I'm a sceptic/cynic and did my own research which saved me from the debt collectors knocking about that 10k loan from Citibank.

    If you think any bank or Medicare details etc are missing, make sure there's some police report filed as it can potentially save you alot of trouble later on.

    • cwongtech on 13/08/2014 - 18:57
      +2

      The police are pretty useless but may be more up with the times now.

      Sorry mate, they're too busy to take your call at the moment. If you need any police, go to a train station, they're there to "keep the public transport system safe" by catching fare-evaders.

      In all seriousness though, what precautions did you take afterwards?

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2014 - 18:58
      -4

      Police are NOT useless. They can only do so much and deal in the real world, not some TV drama. Stupid comment.

  • nicksinternet on 13/08/2014 - 19:56
    +4

    jayc why don't you mount the hidden camera in a better location that will get his face, then he's done. Today Tonight would love it. They may even set it up for you! Contact them.

  • fusion17 on 13/08/2014 - 19:58
    +6

    Sigh. typed out a long post and i got 404d when submitting.

    But basically, if you think financial docs etc are missing, be very cautious.
    I signed up with a company called Veda Advantage, who give you credit history, as well as monitor your account. I had 5-6 applications under my name didn't even know about. This was 3 months after the initial mailbox break-ins.
    They also managed to get my bank, st george to send out a duplicate atm card. When i say duplicate i mean ccv and all - it worked at the atm without any activation. I had a war with them about how this is possible since I wasn't able to get similar when i requested in person.

    Essentially the police left me feeling safe that if i'd just report my cards/accounts as stolen etc, id be Ok. This is not the case. "Useless" was harsh, i suppose.

    Anyway, The fact i filed a police report made the below less troublesome.
    https://btoyjq.bn1302.livefilestore.com/y2pWg7S-zA8gwKsdeYXJ…

    btw that guy is a fkn scumbag; and I bet, is working as part of a group.

    • Davo1111 on 13/08/2014 - 20:28
      +1

      I signed up with a company called Veda Advantage

      Just fyi, you can get this service for free a number of times per year.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join