Alice Steele, 89, left disappointed after mail thief stole her Christmas cards and gift vouchers

Police are searching for a mail thief after an elderly woman was left disappointed on Christmas when she missed out on cards and letters. See the video

An elderly Surfers Paradise woman was left with no festive cards and lost a manicure voucher after repeated mail thefts struck a unit tower complex early Christmas morning and days after.

A person who looked similar to the alleged Christmas morning thief would return twice in the coming days – both times appearing to be armed with a knife.

CCTV first shows an alleged thief at the Panorama Towers unit complex at 1.30am on Christmas Day, rifling through mailboxes.

Alice Steele, 89, lost Christmas cards and a manicure voucher from a family member.

The CCTV also shows a similar looking man returning about 7.30am on Christmas.

A similar looking male was back again at 9pm on Sunday.

Police are searching for this man after letters were stolen from mailboxes at Panorama Tower. Picture: Supplied

That footage shows a man going through the gate, returning moments later, reaching up and moving the CCTV camera.

Another angle shows him systematically opening each letter box and taking mail.

Mrs Steele said she rarely got down to the letterboxes but was disappointed she missed out on the cards and vouchers she usually received.

“It was disappointing,” she said.

Mrs Steele said her family member had sent $60 to her as well to use for a manicure or pedicure.

Panorama Tower resident Alice Steele said she was left disappointed after a mail thief took all of her Christmas cards and a gift voucher. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Despite the disappointment Mrs Steele holds no ill-will.

“I always feel maybe they are desperate,” she said. “It’s Christmas and for me it’s not just for opening presents, it’s for opening your heart.”

Panorama Towers body corporate committee member and resident Cameron Moir said a majority of residents would have been happy to help out someone in need of food if asked.

Mr Moir said the thefts were reported to police.

“This guy has a knife and I’ve got elderly people here,” he alleged.

Mr Moir said the thief also made off with a number of residents’ important documents, including identification details.

“That’s my concern,” he said.

Panorama Tower body corporate committee member Cameron Moir said a mail thief broke into every letterbox – and Mr Moir demonstrates. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Mr Moir said when he went to police to follow-up he was told the reports were marked as “overdue tasks”.

“I know (police) are under resourced and understaffed,” he said.

Gold Coast Police District Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said police were investigating.

“We all have the right to be safe. While it is important you are aware of and exercise this right, be mindful you also have responsibility for your own safety,” he said.

“Adopting practical safety strategies, like being aware of your surroundings especially when using headphones or speaking on mobile, can help reduce the risk of victimisation and assist you to respond effectively if your safety is threatened.”

Panorama Tower residents have supplied this footage after having mailboxes raided during the festive period. Picture: Supplied

Chief Supt Hanlon said it was a mistaken belief people were more vulnerable to crime as they got older – and statistics showed the older people got the less likely they were to be a victim of crime.

“Seniors are more experienced and wiser; they tend to spend more time at home and with family, and are less likely to place themselves in high-risk situations,” he said.

Chief Supt Hanlon said the QPS looked at population trends to ensure police were adequately staffed.

“While staffing figures will fluctuate, the QPS has sufficient staff and resources to deliver professional policing services to all Surfers Paradise residents and visitors,” he said.

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