Whether you’re escaping to sunnier locations or you’re visiting family and friends, the RCMP is urging snowbirds and holiday travelers to take extra precautions to protect their mail and deliveries while they are away, keeping their property secure and preventing opportunistic theft
Drumheller RCMP recommends the following measures to ensure your mail and packages remain secure during your absence:
Canada Post offers a Mail Hold service, which temporarily stops mail delivery while you’re away. Alternatively, you can use a Mail Forwarding service to have your mail sent to a trusted friend or family member’s address for safekeeping.
If you’re planning a shorter trip, enlist the help of a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail and packages daily.
If you’re expecting deliveries while away, consider using a secure parcel locker or selecting a pick-up location with the delivery service.
For long-term travelers, installing a secure mail slot or drop box can be an effective way to receive letters and small packages without worrying about them being stolen.
A comprehensive home security system, including cameras, doorbell cameras, and motion-activated lighting, can deter thieves and alert you to any unusual activity at your property. Be sure to install visible signage indicating that your home is under surveillance, which can discourage potential mail thieves.
Before leaving, be sure to pause any subscription services that deliver to your home, such as newspapers or magazines.
For more tips on how you can protect yourself from mail theft, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

On Monday morning the inevitable happened as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would be stepping down as Liberal Party leader.
Trudeau has led the party since 2013 and has been Prime Minister since 2015 when he won a majority government.
On Monday, January 6 he read the writing on the wall.
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it's become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he said.
MP for Battle River Crowfoot Damien Kurek reacted swiftly to the announcement.
“Today, we see a coward and liar announce to the nation that he is terrified to face the people he is supposed to lead. Trudeau’s staying or going doesn't matter; the entire Liberal Party are putting themselves and their own interests before their country,” said Kurek.
Since taking power there has been a steady decline in his popularity and in 2019, he returned as Prime Minster, however with a minority government. In 2021 he called a snap election and, though he captured a few more seats, the party remained in a minority position.
Throughout this time he was plagued with a number of controversies, including Ethics Commissioner investigations into his family vacations with the Aga Khan, and his handling of the SNC-Lavalin Affair. Support for Carbon tax policies also eroded his popularity, and in most recent polls the Liberals are only pulling about 20 per cent support.
Beginning in March 2022, the Liberals entered an agreement with NDP to help prop the Liberal Party up until 2025. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh pulled the support and ended the Confidence and Supply Agreement in September.
While Trudeau survived three more confidence motions since, it appears the resignation of Finance Minster Chrystia Freeland was the final nail in the coffin of his career.
With his announcement, he also asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24.
Kurek is unhappy with the delay.
“Not only did he announce his resignation, but Trudeau also announced that he is shutting down Parliament and committees for two months. He blames parliamentary dysfunction as the reason for prorogation but failed to mention that it is Liberal scandals causing the dysfunction, specifically the Liberal Government’s refusal to hand over unredacted documents to the RCMP related to the $400 million Green Slush Fund scandal,” he said.
“We have seen this pattern since 2015, and Canadians have suffered the consequences. From attacks on energy, agriculture, and fundamental rights, Canadians are hurting after more than nine years of Liberal mismanagement.”
He indicates the Conservative Party of Canada is prepared for the next steps.
“Regardless of who the leader of the Liberal Party is today or in the future, Canadians deserve better, and they deserve a choice. Common Sense Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre are ready to restore the promise of Canada,” said Kurek.