By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:41, Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Desperate thieves stole a post box – and the pole it was mounted on.

The post box should be here

The box was sited just outside the grounds of Rose Castle, near Dalston, and is used by people from surrounding hamlets.

Police say the thieves struck some time between Thursday and Friday.

In their desperation to steal the rectangular box, the criminals were forced to dig up the pole which the box was stood on, stealing the entire structure.

Police Community Support Officer Pete Aiston issued a neighbourhood watch message, alerting people to the crime and appealing for information.

“It is more than likely it has happened overnight,” he explained.

“If you have any information, please contact the police at your soonest convenience.”

PCSO Aiston continued: “It is important you stay vigilant and report all suspicious activity.

“No matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is, it is always worth reporting.

“You never know, your information may lead to an arrest.”

Royal Mail reminded people that interfering with mail was a criminal offence in its own right, and confirmed it will be replacing the stolen post box.

Spokeswoman Felicity MacFarlane said: “Royal Mail confirms that one of our lamp box postboxes near Dalston has been stolen.

“It is illegal to tamper with the mail and Royal Mail always seeks to prosecute those who do so.

“We would urge anyone with information about this theft to contact the police.

“We will be replacing this box as soon as possible and we apologise to customers for the inconvenience.”

Anyone with information about the theft, or who saw anyone in the area acting suspiciously on Thursday night, is urged to call police on 101.

Any customer who might have used the letterbox on Thursday afternoon is asked to contact the Royal Mail customer services team on 08457 740 740. Other posting facilities are available at Nether Welton, Raughton Head, Gaitsgill and Royal School until the new post box is installed.

First published at 12:26, Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk