Royal Mail post boxes stolen from streets

Local residents Carol Hewitt and Sheila Reeves believe the theft of the post boxes to be a serious crime

Two post boxes have been stolen in Walsall, Royal Mail has said, although the motive is unclear.

The boxes were taken from Lime Grove, Rushall and Stonnall Road, Aldridge, but Royal Mail said it was unknown if the incidents were linked.

The organisation said the thefts had been reported to police, adding that it would be replacing them.

The pillar post boxes are typically made of cast iron and similar thefts of drain and manhole covers in the West Midlands have previously been blamed on metal thieves.

Royal Mail said post in both boxes had been collected the day before they were stolen and encouraged customers to contact the intended recipients of any items.

Local resident Carol Hewitt said she had been shocked by the fact the post box was "here one day and gone the next".

Royal Mail said it could not share information on how much it costs to manufacture or install the post boxes.

It is unclear how long it will be until replacements are installed. In the meantime, Royal Mail thanked people for their patience and said they could use other boxes in the area or drop off packages at post office branches.

It is also encouraging anyone with concerns to contact its customer care department.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.