Mailbox thieves on prowl in Mount Croix, Glendinningvale

There is a new wave of criminals in the Bay targeting mailboxes in residential areas for scrap metal.

Since around June 26, residents in Mount Croix and Glendinningvale have noticed that their letterboxes, which are bolted or cemented into their brick walls, have been unceremoniously ripped out.

An anonymous resident, who lives only a few blocks away from the Mount Road police buildings, complained that his letterbox had been dismounted and stolen, leaving a large hole in his wall.

“All around Mount Croix and Buckingham Road, one can see the open spaces in walls and gates where letterboxes have been stolen,” the Mount Croix resident said.

Another resident, who lives in Mount Road, said that his steel mailbox had been stolen on the night of June 26.

It is clear that his neighbours had also been targeted by the thieves, who had clearly damaged the brickwork of the wall around the metal letterbox that they attempted to root out.

It appears as if these crimes targeting letterboxes have taken place almost overnight, though it is unclear if the criminals are one organised group, or part of a new wave of opportunistic crimes that are hitting across the Bay.

Either way, this seemingly insignificant crime has taken place rapidly and affected many people, leaving a good indication of just how proactive the Mount Road police are, who have not been able to stop scrap metal thieves right under their noses.

In a positive light, however, this can serve as a reminder to residents of the importance of neighbourhood watches and communication between residents to ensure that they do not fall victim to crime.