Mail theft spree hits Bainbridge Island

Island mailboxes have been an infrequent target for thieves in the past, but recently Bainbridge has been hit with a spree of mail thefts.

"It's been over the past three weeks," said officer Dale Johnson of the Bainbridge Island Police Department.

Johnson noted that the island isn't alone. The string of mailbox thefts also extends to Poulsbo and the north end of Kitsap County.

The rash of thefts started earlier this month. A resident on Koura Road reported to police that her mailbox was broken into along with three other boxes on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Although the mailbox had a lock, it didn't stop the thief, however, who pried it open.

That same day, residents in the neighborhood along Springwood Avenue told police that all but one mailbox was left open that morning.

By Saturday, Feb. 9, Island Moms, a local online forum, was filled with comments from neighbors sharing their own stories of mailbox theft.

Victims range from having their passports taken to missing valuable collector coins.

The police department has collected at least 11 reports of mail theft since the beginning of February and many reports indicate more than one victim.

The department is currently trying to put together a more accurate number.

Some reports, including those submitted online by residents, can be mislabeled as incidents involving "identity theft" or "malicious mischief," instead of mail theft.

 

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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