Surrey RCMP has arrested and charged a 30-year-old prolific offender from Langley for allegedly committing multiple mail thefts. It is the second arrest of its kind in a month.
Last week, Surrey RCMP’s Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) began an investigation of a known criminal who was recently released after facing mail theft charges stemming from incidents in Richmond.
On Nov. 23, officers arrested the man at a condo in the 20100 block of Fraser Highway after he allegedly committed numerous acts of mail theft in Langley.
Several people in Brookswood and Fernridge complained last month that their mailboxes had been broken into, but it isn’t clear if the thefts are connected.
Surrey RCMP searched the suspect and his vehicle and discovered several pieces of stolen mail as well as break-in tools.
Tyler Barta, a 30-year-old from Langley, has now been charged with theft of mail, possession of break-in tools and breach of recognizance. Barta was released on Wednesday on $1,000 bail and is scheduled to make his next court appearance Dec. 18.
Barta is believed to be associated with another prolific offender, who Surrey RCMP recently arrested and charged with mail theft.
In that case, a man and woman were arrested for mail theft at the same residence in the 20100 block of Fraser Highway.
In that arrest, a search of the residence uncovered bags of stolen mail. A 24-year-old Langley woman was also found inside the residence.
Royce Heaton, 32, of Surrey was charged along with Emily Parsons, 24, of Langley.
“Their arrests should also serve as a reminder to residents to take the necessary precautions, especially during the holiday season, and check your mail frequently,” said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann.
Police advise anyone who plans to be away over the holidays to consider putting their mail on hold.
Further, they advise never to send cash in the mail, only money orders, and to deposit any mail containing sensitive or financial information at the local post office.
They also ask residents to report any suspicious activity to police and to notify Canada Post of any overturned or vandalized mailboxes by calling 1-800-267-1177.