The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating several incidents of mail theft reported in the Columbia area.
The first report came just before 9 p.m. on Monday, involving a suspicious gray Honda Accord seen on Slate Rim Road heading toward Bennet Road. Two men were observed tampering with multiple mailboxes. One suspect was described as wearing a blue jacket, while the other wore a black one. Deputies responded to the call but were unable to locate the vehicle.
In the days following, additional reports emerged of broken mailboxes along Bennet Road, Highway 49, and Chili Gulch Road, suggesting a pattern of mail theft in the region.
The Sheriff’s Office has urged residents to be vigilant and check their mail regularly. If important items are missing, they are encouraged to report it through the non-emergency line at 209-533-5815. The authorities are also seeking video footage from anyone in the affected areas with surveillance cameras that may have captured the suspects or their vehicle.
To help residents protect their mail, the Sheriff’s Office has shared several safety tips, particularly during the busy holiday season:
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- Stay Alert: Follow up on overdue mail, including checks, credit cards, or other valuable items, by contacting the sender promptly.
- Coordinate Deliveries: If you won’t be home for a delivery, ask a trusted neighbor to retrieve it or request the carrier to hold the item.
- Consider Alternative Options: Ship items to your workplace or opt for ship-to-store services.
- Enhance Security: Make sure your home’s security cameras and lighting are visible and operational.
- Use Delivery Alerts: Sign up for notifications to track when mail or packages are delivered, and retrieve them as soon as possible.
- Secure Mailboxes: Use a locking mailbox or consider renting a PO Box to deter thieves.
- Request Signature Confirmation: For important outgoing mail, request signature confirmation for added security.
- Act Quickly if Theft Occurs: If personal or financial information is stolen, take immediate steps to safeguard against fraud, such as freezing your credit and setting up a fraud alert.
Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity and to take proactive steps to safeguard their mail during the holiday season.
For more updates or to report breaking news, contact the Mother Lode News Hotline at 209-532-6397 or email photos to news@clarkebroadcasting.com. Stay informed by signing up for Breaking News Alerts and the daily newsletter at myMotherLode.com.
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