2/18/16 Local homeowner’s association takes a stand against mail theft

Residents in the Northwest Bakersfield community of Bellagio say this has been a problem for about a year now, and they’re frustrated. So they came up with their own solution to stop mail thefts in their neighborhood.

Residents say they’ve finally had enough with people breaking into their mailbox and stealing their mail.

“Two weeks ago, we got hit again,” said homeowner’s association president Dennis Schults. “This past Sunday night, they came in and opened them up.”

Schults had a design drawn up and is awaiting approval from the post office. He said it’s frustrating, but worth the $5,500 it will cost the homeowners association.

But what about other neighborhoods who don’t have the means to build such a structure?

Postal Service representative Jeffrey Fitch said the Postal Service is constantly accessing security and is in the process of upgrading some older locks with newer, more secure locks in theft-prone areas.

For now, Schults said they’re doing what they can on their own. They’ve invested in cameras and better lighting.

watch video: Homeowner’s association In Bakersfield CA takes a stand against mail theft

Previous news articles on mail theft problems in Bakersfield:

Video: Residents of California community upset at USPS for lack of action on protecting their mail

Video: Postal inspectors investigating a rash of mail thefts in Bakersfield CA

Video: Bakersfield CA residents frustrated by repeated cluster mailbox thefts

Video: West Bakersfield, CA community mailbox stolen in the middle of the night

Video: Bakersfield family blames post office for stolen package that held personal items from Navy sailor