To Catch A Thief...

[Ingenue]

SOMETIMES IT TAKES A VILLAGE.

I didn't know where to put this subject... so I'm posting it here. Mods, if I've done wrong... please correct me.

I bought the highly coveted MARINE LIFE for my baby sister, for her birthday. I sent it to her in a Priority Mail box... a postal worker steamed it open, TOOK THE MARINE LIFE AND SOME OTHER MAKEUP, taped the box shut... and delivered it to her!

She is devastated. So am I.

So... I've posted an open letter on my blog, on facebook, and on twitter. Now I'm posting it here.

I'd like it to go viral, so I'm telling EVERYONE. Beside the fact that I can't replace her Marine Life... I'm just so angry that someone would steal like that!

Here it is:

Adventures In Makeup: AN OPEN LETTER...

An Open Letter...

TO THE PIECE OF Postal Worker GARBAGE WHO STOLE MAKEUP OUT OF A PACKAGE MEANT FOR MY LITTLE SISTER... RETAPED IT... AND DELIVERED IT TO HER!

It was a BIRTHDAY PRESENT, you bloody skid mark.

For you, it's now a matter of when.

I mailed the package from Sherman Oaks on May 31st. Priority Mail... with delivery confirmation. Given the holiday (Memorial Day) the delivery estimate was Thursday, June 3rd.

It arrived SATURDAY, June 5th. She was out of town, but her husband took it in for her. He didn't notice anything unusual. But then... he wouldn't. He didn't know what was inside.

She just got home and got her package. IMAGINE HER DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAD BEEN REMOVED:

MAC Marine Life
Wet N' Wild ISparkle pallette
Milani Lipstick in Oran-gina
Crystal Round Picture Frame

Now, the latter three can be replaced with no problem. But the Marine Life is not replacable. It sold out worldwide in a matter of hours, and I suffered through LA traffic at rush hour and major car trouble to get to it. It was a really big deal to my little sister, and it was really important that I come through for her.

But thanks to the piece of garbage who stole it, she's been unable to enjoy her birthday present.

Here's what I know: The package hit a delay at the SANTA CLARITA SORTING FACILITY here in California. An extensive search, courtesy of the Post Office Manager revealed that information. I also know the TIME that it was sorted. Now, it's a matter of cross referencing the shifts of the mail handlers (prime suspects) and the clerks who processed the pkg. Instead of being delivered on the 3rd, it was still in california.

There are also handlers on her end to be considered and investigated.

Thanks to the claims department, I also have a bit of additional information. I'm calling the postal inspector to launch an investigation. I'm also enlisting the help of my Mother In Law (retired Postal Worker) to track down this imbecile. Breaking into someone's mail is A FEDERAL OFFENSE. I don't care if it's a damned sweepstakes form. It's not even the items that I'm upset about at this point. It's the freakin' principle. What kind of guttersnipe steams open a box, takes stuff out of it, and RESEALS the damned thing for delivery?

You know who you are. You know what you did. You've managed to single-handedly make the argument to privatize national mail delivery. The commons be damned... I'd rather see a maggot like you unemployed, than earn a paycheck and steal on the job.

Enjoy Marine Life. I hope it was worth what's coming.

 

[spunky]

i am speechless! who would do such a cheap, nasty thing?

i hope you find out who it was and throw the book at them, they should be locked up for it. if it's any consellation, your package won't be the first that this piece of crap has stolen from. sickening.

 

[Ingenue]

Apparently people really do get arrested for it! I talked to my MIL and she says it was not uncommon to have the police show up at a sorting facility and haul someone away in handcuffs.

I am completely disgusted by what happened. I mean... COME ON! My poor baby sister. It makes me so sad that her birthday was ruined by a thief!

 

[spunky]

at least you know the police take this kind of thing seriously.

i'm so sorry that it happened, your poor sister! she must have been devastated

 

[Ingenue]

She called me, figuring that I'd just forgotten to put it in the box. When she realized what happened, she was so sad.

I really hope I can track this person down. I'm going to do everything in my power to make it possible!

 

[bellaboomboom]

That is awful! Makes me scared to mail anything anymore...my Mom and I mail cosmetics and perfume to each other all the time so we can share.

I REALLY hope you get this person! I wonder how many other boxes he/she has broken into! I wish you the best of luck.

 

[User38]

That is so nasty.. I am sorry for you and your sister.

I have recently had the most unpleasant experiences with the USPS also. I had ordered some brushes -- and I got a bunch of hand cleaner samples! I immediately called the supplier and they were replaced. UPS is not much better either.

I don't buy from Ebay for this reason -- as long as the Seller can supply a tracking number for the package, they are in the clear. Last time I bought a couple of paint pots I got a Guayabera shirt..lol. I wrote to the seller, and there was no chance of her replacing them since these were basically collectibles...so, she lost, and I lost. Ebay never loses. It is hard to prove any theft like this since it is not violent or apparent. MAC Black boxes are very vulnerable too.

It is just a sad world we are living in.

 

[VIC MAC]

Oh I so sad for you both My sister and I live apart, and she doesn't have a MAC nearby. She also doesn't really have money to buy makeup for, but I'm fortunate enough, that I can buy some for her.

I love buying the special things for her - I got her the Ripe Peach Blush Ombre, sent it to her, and she loves it.

I'm going to get her the Stereo Rose next - cause she's been eyeballing mine forever

Now I'm sat here thinking about what I would do if anyone stole the packages I'm sending her, and it's making me so angry

Now for what it's worth I just called my counter here in Denmark, to ask if they had any Marine Life left ( they only just came out overhere....) but they are gone. Had they had any left, I would have got one for your sister

The only idea I can throw you all, is to package all inside the box, in another giftwrapped box - do you think they will open a gift with ribbons and all, and take out stuff??? I hope not. Then also leave a sheet of paper with a note saying: " Dear postworker, if you are considering stealing my stuff, give me a call beforehand, and I'll let you know which items I prefer you STEALING!!!!!!

It's not even funny, having to do that, and one would have to advise the recipient that the note is inside....

Oh well, I think I'll deliver my sisters parcel in person - that just means she wont get her things right away.

 

[cazgh]

Good luck with it and dont give up - and hopefully the lowlife will get caught. If you stop asking for answers they will get off with it. At least let them feel the heat for as long as possible... So sorry for your loss and your lil sister tho... Ouch

 

[LMD84]

i'm so sorry thsi happened. there are some seriously shitty people in the world. i hope they get caught.

 

[blazeno.8]

When I first saw this thread I thought it was about a swaplifter which is bad enough. But then to realize that it was someone whose engagement in the process is anonymous and beyond your control? Sorry, but my heart goes out to you.

 

[Ingenue]

Thank you Ladies so much for your support! I've filed a report with the Postal Inspector. I got a confirmation # and I'm supposed to check back in (if I don't hear from them) by Wednesday. They've also compensated me the $$$ for the merchandise loss.

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you all.

 

[Ingenue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIC MAC Now for what it's worth I just called my counter here in Denmark, to ask if they had any Marine Life left ( they only just came out overhere....) but they are gone. Had they had any left, I would have got one for your sister

Oh, thank you for that effort! That was so nice of you. I may have to bite the bullet and trust Ebay. I really don't like to do that because there are so many crooks and fakes on that website.

I've been calling around. I may find one at some obscure counter in Fresno or something...

 

[YLQ]

*Runs in all happy thinking this is about the Cary Grant movie.

Sees otherwise. DAMMIT!

Backs out of thread slowly hoping no one notices me.*

 

[Junkie]

Keep posting! And check out the Clearance Bin thread. There are still a few floating around (at cost, rather than jacked up prices) on here

 

[Ingenue]

Thanks for the tips! I'll keep checking around...

 

[QueenBam]

Good luck girl :[ Had this happen to me with a prezzie i got for my bf. never even arrived :-/ however, in my country of origin you can't even use the mail service, if you mail someone a nickel, believe me, it won't come out the other end!