News
Media Statement on Postal Security
Please read the media statement we have received from Guernsey Police:
MEDIA STATEMENT
Landlords who own blocks of flats, or houses of multiple occupancy are being advised to step up security measures for post which is sent to their tenants. HMO’s are properties which are shared by three or more tenants who aren’t members of the same family.
“Many communal addresses have an area where post for a number of occupants is left in a single lobby area, which is often unsecured,” said Crime Reduction Adviser, Andy Goodall. “Not only does this open up the risk of post being stolen, but such thefts can also lead to more serious crimes such as fraud and identity theft.
There have also been a few incidents recently where people looking to import illegal goods into Guernsey have tried to use the address of unsuspecting homeowners within a block of flats, or a lodging house where the post is left unsecured and easily accessible.”
Landlords are being advised to consider installing letterboxes in individual front doors, or providing cluster mailboxes for all tenants – accessible in a communal area. Where possible, measures should also be taken to secure that area against unauthorised entry.
The Guernsey Housing Association has put secure mailboxes for tenants within all of its developments. Chief Executive of Guernsey Housing Association (GHA), Steve Williams explains:
“The GHA has always designed our properties so each household can have privacy over its own post. Properties ideally have their own individual letterbox in their own front door or with our older blocks of flats we have rows of secure letterboxes as was requested at the time by Guernsey Post. The newer flats have their own individual letterboxes in the front door or adjacent to the door.
We have also worked closely with Guernsey Post to find the most efficient way of distributing our residents’ post. When a new development is in its design phase, the GHA contact Guernsey Post to discuss the options of how the postal workers will access each property. Our priority is always to ensure that the post goes directly to each household and remains secure.”
Guernsey Post is in favour of the drive. Chief Executive, Boley Smillie said:
“We very much support this awareness campaign and encourage all landlords of multiple occupancy buildings to consider providing secure post boxes for their tenants”. ensure that the post goes directly to each household and remains secure.”
Guernsey Post is in favour of the drive. Chief Executive, Boley Smillie said:
“We very much support this awareness campaign and encourage all landlords of multiple occupancy buildings to consider providing secure post boxes for their tenants”.
