A Chronicle reader submitted this photo of mailboxes that were broken into last month on Farrell Road.

Local RCMP are investigating following numerous break-ins to several Canada Post mailboxes in Ladysmith and the surrounding area.

“There was vandalism that took place at several group mailbox sites in the Chemainus and Ladysmith areas,” Canada Post spokesperson Phil Legault told the Chronicle.

“We take these matters and the security of the mail very seriously. Having said that, there is only one type of person that chooses to break the law — that’s a criminal, and they are determined regardless of the target.”

The incidents were first reported to Canada Post Security & Investigations as well as to the Ladysmith and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachments.

Details about the nature of the break-ins and what mail is being targeted was not provided due to the ongoing investigation.

Temporary measures, however, have been put into place to maintain mail service.

“Customers were informed that they will receive temporary delivery at the post office,” Legault said. “I can confirm that normal delivery has resumed for some customers, and we are working to resume delivery to the remaining customers as fast as we can.”

Canada Post is committed to doing everything possible to deter these types of property crimes and support police in their efforts, Legault added.

“While we will not provide specifics, our efforts involve everything from reviewing the design, upgrading and modifying our equipment, to monitoring and working closely with police,” he said.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activities to immediately report them to the authorities and Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.