Mail being stolen/opened

jdeez88

I've recently moved into a newly built flat in a building of about 25. It's very nice here, and seems like quite a decent area (Chase Meadow, Warwick if you know it!). Unfortunately the individual flats don't have a letter box in the door, rather theres a communal area on the first floor with everyones small letterbox.
This is not a problem, until I've had some larger parcels delivered (by Royal Mail), and if they can't fit in the box, they're left on the floor or ontop of the mail boxes.
About 4 weeks ago after I just moved in I ordered a small item from Play.com worth a fiver, but never received it. I'd hate to think people would do steal post (especially in a relatively small building of 25 flats), so assumed it had got lost in the post, and reported it to Play for a refund which was fine.
Then I was expecting a parcel from my mum containing some large photos from my graduation. It was not there this morning when I left, nor was it there this evening (6pm) when I returned. However when I went out to the shops at about 9pm, there it was. Sat on top of the post boxes was my big parcel - too big to have missed twice already that day! It had been sellotaped up, which I thought looked rather dodgy, so called my mum to see if that's how she had sealed it, and it wasn't! Therefore someone has opened it (very carefully and delicately might I add), obviously realised there's nothing exciting in there, re-sealed it and put it back, thinking I wouldn't notice!
Some of the items in there were bank statements that my mum was forwarding to me, but they had not been opened thank god!
Anyway I'm basically quite worried about having any post delivered here, and not sure what they would be after?? Also is there anything I can do? I thought Royal Mail left a card saying I need to pick up the parcel from their collection office if it's too big for the postbox??
I've left a really arsey notice on the wall there for people to read in the morning, sarcastically thanking them for finding my post boring and returning it!!
What can I do though? I'm renting the property through an agency, so will call them in the morning to let them know. Not sure what can be done though??
Has this happened to anyone else, and if so what came of it? I'm just thankful nothing of value has been sent here, although the photos are of great sentimental value.
Rant over...!:mad:

no1catman

Have you got a Tesco Clubcard?
With the vouchers coming out soon in early November, if 'yes', might be wise to give Clubcard a more trustworthy c/o address - amend it before the 23rd Oct - the cut-off date.

mcjordi

or put in a request to call at the sorting office. then you can pick up your mail there..

mynameisdave

Edit: I really should read things thoroughly

marleyboy

You could ask the postman nicely, if he or she minds ringing your bell to hand over your mail, even explain the situation to them.

I am not sure what it is called, but similar to a mail redirection service, you can request your mail be kept at the local sorting office or post office to collect yourself. Its inconvenient, but useful if you have important or valuable mail being delivered.

Jacey53

Could you speak to the Post Office (sorting office)? Surely it would be more sensible of the postmen to put a card in your mailbox if they can't fit the post in.

It's what they would do if you had a letterbox in your front door.

Perhaps no-one has been made aware of the situation and they are just doing what they think is right, but your mail should not be left out like this.

4743hudsonj

Get a big box with fragile stickers on it etc, leave it with a letter sealed inside saying you now know they have taken your parcels and would appreciate it if they ceased before further actions are taken.

Something to that effect will most likely scare most into not risking it in future.

You could go one step further and by a cheap remote alarm and put this inside, and when taken set it off and go hunting!

natspencer

jdeez

It might not be your neighbours. Royal Mail have a poor reputation on Chase Meadow and in Warwick in general, "lost" parcels, very very slow delivery times, and yes, some that look like they've been opened. It's the same to the houses as well as flats.

Not much help I'm afraid, but you might not worry about your neighbours so much.

Mupette

shame you can't put exploding coloured powder in the box, so as soon as it it opened explodes in the face of the person who has opened it, and it stains their face


or on a sensible note, how about cctv, arrange big parcel to be sent to you, sit back and see if it is one of your neighbours.

I'd even go so far as to put up a poster warning the tenants that their is someone stealing, (if it is one of your neighbours) it might put them off doing it again

King_Nothing

Write on the walls above the post boxes in pig's blood; "contiue to steal and open my post, and the next message I write will be in your blood!"

MothballsWallet

Nah, I'd put a notice up saying:

continue to steal and open my post, and you will be forced to listen to the Ke$ha album forever.