Anger as Peterborough thieves steal red POSTBOXES from city streets

A spokesman for Royal Mail said there had been a number of thefts of post boxes across the city in recent weeks, meaning residents have struggled to post letters and cards during lockdown.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, it is hoped the stolen boxes will be replaced shortly.

One of the boxes was stolen from Church Street in Holme at some point between November 16 and 17.

Janice Osborn, Clerk of Holme Parish Council said; "With Christmas approaching it is all the more important to have postal services at their best.

"This year people will be relying on sending cards to keep up their connections with friends and family they have not been able to see because of the virus.

"We only have one other post box in Holme and for some it is a long walk to use it. Apparently postboxes are stolen to sell and are only worth about £150. It is worth a lot more than that to us!"

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are aware that there has been several thefts of postboxes in the Peterborough area.

"Royal Mail has over 115,000 postboxes across the UK and the theft of postboxes is relatively rare. However Royal Mail takes the issue very seriously, and works closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent the unlawful removal of postboxes.

"We also deploy preventative measures and technologies to deter theft. These measures include forensic tags, permanent metal marking systems and electronic tracking.

"In the event that a crime is committed, these features can help our investigators to identify and trace stolen property as well as potential offenders. We are currently working hard to replace the missing boxes."