The News-Optimist requested and has received a comment from the media relations department of Canada Post regarding the Saturday break-in of the post office building in Battleford. Following is the statement:
“We can confirm that a break-in recently occurred at the Battleford Post Office. Unfortunately some post offices boxes were damaged during the break-in. These are expected to be repaired shortly. In the interim, affected customers can collect their mail in the post office with government issued photo ID. We apologize to those customers for the inconvenience.
“We can also confirm that there is a security system on the premises. We’re currently investigating with our security provider if there are any issues with the alarm system.
“If anyone is concerned about ID fraud, they should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. As well, if customers believe they haven’t received a particular piece of mail, they should contact the sender. As this incident is under police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Sunday we reported the Battlefords RCMP had been able to offer some additional information on the break-in to the Battleford Post Office, however they were holding some information back for investigatory reasons.
An email from Pernell St. Pierre, Sgt., Watch No. 3 Commander, stated, “I can say at this time we are not sure what was taken from the post office. The post office staff will have to determine this and I can confirm there was significant damage to the interior of the building. There is some hold back evidence that we are not going to disclose to protect the integrity of this investigation.”
Sgt. Pernell said if the public has concerns about their mail, they should contact Canada Post directly as they will have specific information on individual mailboxes.
The original RCMP release issued Saturday just after 5 p.m. contained the following information:
On Saturday, Feb. 16, at approximately 8:14 a.m. the Battlefords RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter to the Battleford Post Office located at 191-22nd Street.
Battlefords RCMP responded along with the Battlefords Forensic Identification Section.
It is believed the break and enter occurred overnight.
It is unknown at this time what, or if anything, was taken.
Battlefords RCMP are continuing to investigate.
Battlefords RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance with any information related to this crime.
If you have any information about this file, please contact your nearest police service or RCMP Detachment, or if you have information and you wish to remain anonymous in your reporting, you may call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
