Post box vandalism

VANDALS have set fire to a post box outside the Thirroul Post Office last week, damaging and destroying letters.

Customers who posted items in the box between 7pm and 10.30pm on Thursday September 21, are urged to make alternate arrangements for their mail, or contact Australia Post on 13 13 18 for further information.

To help prevent future incidents, Australia Post has urged Thirroul residents to identify and report suspicious behaviour around post boxes to local police.

"Our street posting boxes can unfortunately become a target for vandals and thieves," Australia Post spokesperson Judy Goldman said.

"Sometimes boxes are seriously damaged and need to be taken out of service until they can be repaired.

"On this occasion, vandals literally set fire to the box, which represents a serious safety risk.

"Some of the mail inside the box was also destroyed, which is deeply regrettable.

"While the box has been fixed and remains in service, the community can help us avoid a recurrence of this kind of criminal act."

Tampering and interfering with Australia Post's street posting boxes is a criminal offence under the Commonwealth Criminal Code and can carry a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment.

There are approximately 5000 street posting boxes in NSW and although the corporation monitors boxes on a regular basis, Ms Goldman said local communities could also play a key role.

"We urge Thirroul residents to be aware of the street posting boxes in their community and contact local police if they notice any suspicious behaviour around them," she said.