A neighbor had some mail stolen out of their mail box (attached to half a dozen other boxes, including ours). Sheriffs dept. said its been a problem for some time, most likely heroin/meth addicts hitting rural mail boxes across the county(Flathead Valley in MT). Dirt bags stealing cash, checks etc.
Looking at hiding a trail cam some where to catch the perps in the act but having never owned one would appreciate suggestions on models. Smaller the better since we are limited on options of where to hide the unit because of the lack of cover where the boxes are located.
“Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them.” ― G. Orwell
"Why can't men kill big game with the same cartridges women and kids use?" _Eileen Clarke
"Unjust authority confers no obligation of obedience." - Alexander Hamilton
Used trails cams at my SIL's to catch the SOB's stealing items from her porch and it worked.
There are many types of cams on the market just find one that fits your budget and you can afford to loose if the thief also takes the camera!
I found out if you can not hide it you need to mount out of reach, with the SIL it was mounted on a light pole that you needed a 12 ft ladder to reach. Thief saw it but could not reach it.
A few years ago I was working in my carport when I observed a black woman walking her toddler down the road. At each mailbox the toddler would reach up, open the lid, grab the contents of the mailbox, and hand them to her, and on they'd walk to the next one. Right after the third one, I stepped out so she could see me. When she saw me, she immediately looked down at her toddler and shouted "WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING??" Then slapped him, and on she went, but now at a quickened pace.
She wanted it to look like it was all him, not her, yet she didn't turn around, go back, and return the materials. She ignored me when I tried to get her attention, other than to pick up her pace some more.
I immediately called the police. They weren't the least bit interested, and recommended I call the US Postal Service. I told them I'm looking right at her, and if you come now you can catch her. Still no interest. I called the USPS and they took my information, but didn't seem interested either. By this time she was long gone.
Thats been a problem here since I moved here in 1995....
the town is just off of I 5, and we have plenty of transients.
We've used an in town mail service since I had been here for 30 days...
Sometimes I'd leave for one the road trips at 4 AM, and I'd drive down Hwy 99 and see them rifling thru mail boxes at that time. Stop and put your head lights on them and it didn't even phase them... in fact I think they appreciated the light so they could peruse the mail, and take what they needed....
Trail Cam wouldn't be my answer... a 45 would.
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
A few years ago I was working in my carport when I observed a black woman walking her toddler down the road. At each mailbox the toddler would reach up, open the lid, grab the contents of the mailbox, and hand them to her, and on they'd walk to the next one.
Tall toddler. Basketball player in the making. miles
Just get a good quality locking mail box or an in town rental.
Had the same issue and it got so bad just rented a box in town. I caught them doing it `arrested by local sheriffs and right back out again.
They'll just steal your camera
if caught they'll just get out and do it again
never ending problem
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much" Teddy Roosevelt
A few years ago I was working in my carport when I observed a black woman walking her toddler down the road. At each mailbox the toddler would reach up, open the lid, grab the contents of the mailbox, and hand them to her, and on they'd walk to the next one.
Tall toddler. Basketball player in the making. miles