Unrepaired mailboxes tempt thieves during tax refund season

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Nearly 2 million packages are stolen every day in the U.S., with many thieves looking to break into unstable mailboxes during tax refund season.

Several residents at the Sonoma Resort at Saddle Rock apartment complex in Aurora contacted the FOX31 Problem Solvers after having to wait for months to have their broken mailboxes repaired.

“Doors are broken off, and some of the mailboxes are broken into,” said one resident.

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The mail has been held at a local post office for security reasons, but USPS told FOX31 the time limit for doing so has been reached.

“I’m stressed and worried,” said the resident.

The Problem Solvers contacted the property management company. A spokesperson said new mailboxes that meet postal service requirements are being manufactured by USPS-approved vendors, which can prolong the delivery and installation timeline.

The company issued a statement to FOX31 saying, “We are dedicated to assisting residents during this inconvenience and alleviating any disruptions to their mail service.”

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Renters rights attorney Kayla Banzali of Robinson & Henry told FOX31 that landlords are responsible for mailbox repairs, but tenants should still notify them of any damage in writing.

“They have that responsibility, so ultimately if they do incur damages because of mail fraud or anything like that then they have that proof that they did put the landlord on notice,” said Banzali.

USPS told FOX31 the mail will now be delivered to the apartment complex leasing office where residents can access their secured parcels.

The property management company told FOX31 that the new mailboxes are scheduled to be installed during the last part of April.

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