Residents who use community mailboxes along West Saanich Road north of Brentwood Bay and Land's End Road in North Saanich, will have to pick up their mail elsewhere.
Between March and 19, Canada Post group mailboxes were damaged and broken into and the contents stolen. Sidney North Saanich RCMP report the incidents appear to have started on the 19th, after reports came in along Land's End Road that a community mailbox had been pried open and mail stolen.
Police report the incidents continued on March 21, as more reports of damaged mailboxes located in the 8500 block of West Saanich Road were called in to the RCMP.
Eugene Knapik, with Canada Post media relations, stated in an email to the News Review that they will be co-operating with police.
"There is only one type of person that chooses to break the law," he stated, "that's a criminal and they are determined regardless of the target. It takes an equal level of determination to deter and stop those who commit property crimes and we are committed to do everything possible to support the police in their efforts to do so."
Knapik did not say how many mailboxes were damaged, nor did he provide a timeline for their replacement. In a statement, he did say damaged equipment would be repaired or replaced "as quickly as possible."
Residents affected, Knapik stated, will be advised of alternate arrangements for mail service.
The RCMP said this incident is a reminder to the public to pick up mail daily and report any suspicious activity to police.