A SPATE of post box thefts across the county in recent weeks have lead police to appeal for witnesses.

Since the end of August, officers have received 12 reports of Royal Mail post boxes being stolen at various locations across the county.

They are all working post boxes, the type which are fixed to a pole, and have apparently been cut free from the posts and stolen.

The locations include Westwood Road, Trowbridge, Corsley Heath near Warminster as well as others in the north of the county.

PC Michelle Haley, who is based at Trowbridge Police Station, said: “These are the offences which have been reported to us, but there is a possibility that there have been further incidents which haven’t yet been reported.

“The thieves seem to be targeting post boxes in quieter, rural areas, and not only are they stealing the boxes but also the mail inside.

“These boxes may have been stolen for their scrap metal value, or perhaps because they may be collectable items, so we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you have seen any post boxes for sale in unusual or suspicious circumstances then please contact us.”

Anyone with information should call PC Haley on 101, quoting crime reference 54190109101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.