By Denis Salihbasic
Fremantle residents fear mail theft could lead to identity fraud. Photo by Denis Salihbasic
Residents of Fremantle and the surrounding suburbs have reported more than 25 counts of mail theft in the past two weeks.
It came via a locals’ only Facebook page “Freo Massive”. Its aim is to come together in an effort to expose the thieves to police.
Dillon Di Cantro is a three-time victim of mail theft and wants local police to do something about it.
“When I talk to police they tell me they’re working on something but we’re sick of it, I’ve [had my mail] stolen three times.”
Flyers placed on doorsteps and in mailboxes by Di Cantro and his family are alerting locals to the problem while advising them to secure their mailboxes. They’re also urging parcels shouldn’t be left at front doors while homeowners are at work.
Australia Post told The Bounce that as soon as a package arrives at a person’s house, dealing with any theft is up to local police.
WA Police declined to comment when approached by The Bounce.
South Fremantle resident Hayden Clarke wants the police to act.
“I’ve had to put a lock on my mailbox because both of my neighbours had packages stolen from their front door, not to mention their other mail,” said Clarke.
Residents also fear the stolen letters might end up as cases of identity theft.
Government letters and photo identification are sometimes sent through the mail, which poses problems for authorities if criminals get their hands on them.
But a criminology expert disagrees.
“It’s about money. This wouldn’t be an identity theft scheme because there are just better ways to do that,” said Murdoch University criminology professor Guy Hall.
“People who steal parcels and letters from homes are generally only looking for something containing money or for something that they can sell.”