LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS11300 – More than 100 people from Squamish to Langley have had their mail stolen as part of a sophisticated identity theft ring.

Three people, a man and two women, have been charged. More charges are expected to be recommended.

West Vancouver Police Constable Jeff Palmer explains the trio was being tracked and on Wednesday morning, officers raided a motel on Boundary Road in Burnaby and found stolen mail, credit cards, tablets, and smartphones.

“Take preventative steps,” he advises. “Don’t allow your mail to be sitting in your mail collection for extended periods where somebody may be able to target it for theft.”

He adds police are looking for more people who may have been victimized.

“Clear your mail regularly. If you’re going to be away, then use the services that Canada Post can offer so that you can have your mail held or have somebody else pick up your mail.”

Kimberly McSweeny, 23, and Shawn Lundrigan, 32, of Squamish; as well as Karajeet Kaur, 21, of Burnaby face charges including Possession of Property Obtained Through Crime, Identity Theft, and Breach of Probation.

Palmer wouldn’t say how long the three were being tracked by police but tells us they have a history of mail and identity theft.