An investigation into a series of mailbox and package thefts in Greater Moncton has warranted the aid of criminal analysts.
Our newsroom previously reported on over 50 reports of thefts from community mailboxes this year in the north end of Moncton and also the Fox Creek area of Dieppe.
As part of the investigation, analysts are tasked with finding links between occurrences, and cross-referencing details such as a black car on a specific street, to see if it matches other reports, according to Codiac Regional RCMP Insp. Benoit Jolette.
“Some people may think [criminal intelligence is] only for the larger scheme type investigations or person’s crimes, but property crime is their bread and butter,” Jolette said at a recent Codiac Regional Policing Authority Meeting.
In collaboration with Canada Post, analysts have created a map to track the occurrences and fashioned a plan to address the problem.
Jolette spoke of a recent instance where similarities between thefts resulted in a successful search warrant, and Mounties were able to catch an offender for possession of stolen property. He added most property thieves do the same thing on a daily basis, and their routines are fairly consistent.
Speaking of a personal experience, Moncton City Councillor Monique LeBlanc said a box was stolen from her property less than five minutes after it was delivered. LeBlanc noted that a neighbour witnessed a car following the delivery truck and asked if there have been similar occurrences.
Jolette called it an unintended consequence of online shopping and confirmed reports of vehicles trailing delivery trucks.
The inspector encouraged all victims of property theft to report it to the RCMP and asked anyone who believes they have witnessed property theft to come forward.
