Mailbox break-ins are on the rise throughout Clark County and Battle Ground has not escaped the trend
The Battle Ground Police Department is actively investigating the break-in and theft of mail from seven cluster-style community mailboxes along SW 6th and SW 5th Streets & SW 17th Avenue that occurred sometime between the hours of 10 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 13) to 7:30 a.m. on Thursday (Oct. 14).
Residents of the area are asked to review any security video they may have that might identify a suspect, a suspect vehicle, or license plate. If you have video or any information that might assist the investigation, please contact a Battle Ground police officer by calling 3-1-1.
Mailbox break-ins are on the rise throughout Clark County and Battle Ground has not escaped the trend. Nearly 70 community members were victimized with this recent criminal act. Here are specific things that you can do to protect yourself against mail theft:
- Check your mailbox daily, especially before turning in for the evening.
- Ask friends and family not to send cash or gift cards in the mail, and that they notify you if they are sending a package so you can watch for it.
- Opt-out of unsolicited “preapproved” credit offers mailed to you. Visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-junk-mail for more information
- Register for USPS Informed Delivery to preview your mail and manage packages scheduled to arrive. Sign up here: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action
Battle Ground Police Officers continue to patrol neighborhoods 24/7. Working in partnership with the community is integral to our mission; awareness and information sharing are the most powerful tools in preventing crime. We ask that you take proactive measures, remain aware, and share information with us:
- Get to know your neighbors. Doing so makes it easier to recognize unfamiliar people or vehicles.
- Keep your front porch lights and other exterior lighting on at night. Criminals prefer the shelter of darkness.
- Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from mailboxes and sidewalks. It will give you a better line of sight and will deter criminal activity.
Most importantly, if you see something suspicious, gather as much information as you can, and report it. Each and every call provides your police officers with information they need to investigate and prevent crime in our community.
Call 9-1-1 anytime there is an emergency or about criminal activity in progress.
Call 3-1-1 to report non-emergency information. You may become aware of criminal activity or information after the fact. Please report it – your police officers need and want to know.
Information provided by city of Battle Ground.
