Camas police see jump in mail thefts, remind residents to watch out at tax time

The Camas Police Department has fielded multiple calls for mail theft this week, and the department reminded residents to secure their correspondence as thieves try to strike at personal information sent during tax season.

Mailbox break-ins have been reported in several neighborhoods along Prune Hill, including View Ridge, Thomas Estates, Holly Hills, Parker Estates and Deer Creek.

Community mailboxes have been the prime targets, the police said. Thieves have broken into individual boxes or into the main door to access all the boxes.

The department said officers will increase patrol efforts, but it added there are steps residents can take to help deter crooks:

• Don’t leave mail sitting in the mailbox. Pick it up daily and timely.

• If leaving town, set up a mail hold through the post office

• Use a locked mailbox if possible.

• Deposit outgoing mail in a secure Postal Service mailbox or at a post office.

Also, the department encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and try to get license plate numbers on suspicious vehicles.

As with identify theft through mail theft, police reminded tax filers to ensure whoever is helping with their taxes is credible and trustworthy, and to use only secure web services when filing taxes online.