3/10/16 BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -Residents at the Bellagio gated community in Northwest Bakersfield say mail thieves struck again, but this time they were caught on video
Video captured by security cameras shows thieves’ vehicle and the mailbox open as they drive away.
“We were hit Sunday, a week ago,” Shults said. “The fellow that was arrested for having possession, for having in his possession mail from us, The Islands and others had just been arrested two weeks earlier.”
The local homeowner’s association installed cameras last month hoping to catch thieves in the act, and they did.
Police were able to identify the thieves using the video and photos based on their vehicle and a tattoo on the passenger’s arm.
The postal service has since changed the locks on the mailbox cluster.
“We feel better that there’s been movement to increase the security level,” resident Les Collins said.
Schultz said he appreciates police’s efforts, but it’s not enough. So they’re looking to lawmakers to be stricter on mail thieves.
They’re asking for cooperation from as many HOAs and homeowners as possible to sign letters to send to lawmakers to beef up penalties for mail thieves.
“It just has to be a collaborative effort,” Collins said.
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Collaborative effort, are you kidding me, someone needs to help these citizens with this important issue. This is a federal offense. You shouldn’t have to do anything else, once you report it, and, proper evidence; cameras proves that. Whammo.