Mail theft is a growing problem. Here’s what Bellingham Council is considering
Bellingham is examining whether to make the owners of older apartment buildings add locking mailboxes in an attempt to thwart a growing problem of mail theft.
At an online City Council meeting Monday, March 14, Councilman Michael Lilliquist asked for his colleagues’ support in having an ordinance drafted that would require all apartment buildings to meet current codes for new developments, where locking mailboxes are required under U.S. Postal Service rules.
Councilwoman Lisa Anderson supported the move, saying that it would be helpful for several reasons.
Anderson, who lives in the York neighborhood, said that she’s found mail on three occasions from homes in Happy Valley, where many older apartment buildings are located.
“Those are people who live in some of the older complexes where they’re not the highest income,” Anderson said.
“But you get your utility bill stolen or a credit card statement stolen and you miss a (payment) it impacts your credit rating, it impacts the potential of having to pay late fees, and they may not be in a position to be able to afford that,” she said.
No formal measure was introduced Monday.
But Mayor Seth Fleetwood said his staff would prepare a report and council members could consider further action at their next meeting.
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
