BC police recover 8,000 pieces of stolen mail including bank cards and passports

A BC police department says they have recovered thousands of pieces of stolen mail, bank cards, licences and passports.

During a call to a house for an unrelated matter, New Westminster police officers found a number of “suspicious” items believed to be connected to identity fraud, a news release said.

A search warrant was obtained and patrol officers and the Crime Reduction Unit seized the fraud-related items from the house.

In total, about 8,000 pieces of stolen mail, 1,500 stolen or fraudulent bank and ID cards and about 50 passports were seized.

Officers also confiscated a firearm with ammunition, three imitation firearms and items that police said could be used to produce fraudulent documents.

“Offenses like these negatively affect the entire community,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver.

“Credit card fraud and identity theft is an invasive crime that can create significant problems for both businesses and individuals.”

An investigation is ongoing and officers are working to process thousands of pieces of evidence and identify the rightful owners of the stolen property, the release said.

The New Westminster Police Department said they are considering a number of charges related to firearms offences, mail theft, identity theft and credit card fraud.

Leaver said the department is encouraging residents to periodically check their bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities to your bank.

He also encouraged people to always report mail theft to their local police department.