Crimes involving post boxes

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FIN/26/4884

Version Date: 23/07/2026

The Performance Analysis Department has provided the following information:

We have searched the Niche Crime database for crimes of Criminal Damage or Theft where either the keywords “Post box” or “Postbox” appeared in the occurrence summary, OR where the victim has been recorded as Royal Mail.

We have reviewed all results for relevance and to determine the nature of the damage

For the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025:

1. The total number of recorded incidents involving damage to, or tampering with, postboxes (Royal Mail pillar boxes, wall boxes, or lamp boxes) within your force area. This may be recorded under categories such as criminal damage, arson, theft, or attempted theft from a postal receptacle.

2. For each incident, if held, please provide the following details (in spreadsheet format where possible):

• Date of incident
• Location (street name, postcode district, or ward/neighbourhood — I am not requesting exact addresses if this would breach personal data protections)
• Nature/type of damage or tampering (e.g. arson, forced opening, glue/fishing device used to steal mail, physical vandalism, graffiti)

3. If incident-level data cannot be provided within the cost limit, please provide a summary breakdown by:
• Neighbourhood/ward or postcode district (to identify hotspots)
• Type/cause of damage (to identify most common causes)