Mail Box Destruction

alltoys · Oct 5, 2009

Can someone tell me what the fascination is about destroying someones mail box?

Saturday morning I went out to front of my property to clean up around the entrance. On the way out I could see my mail box was not looking to good. I got closer then noticed it had been flattened by vandals. At least hit once from the side then smashed from the top, hit at least twice.

Being a welder by trade I had some 1/4 inch plate laying around so I made up a new box and welded it to the now metal pipe I cemented in the ground. I would dearly love to see their faces when they take a mighty swing at this new mail box!!!!

Duffster · Oct 5, 2009

Is the new one post master approved?

whistlepig · Oct 5, 2009

I had this problem a few years ago. A metal T-post next to the mailbox fixed it. They are to lazy to get out of the car.

Willl · Oct 5, 2009

Mine got a M80 tossed in it.

mjncad · Oct 5, 2009

alltoys said:
Can someone tell me what the fascination is about destroying someones mail box?

Simple things for simple minds explains the inDUHviduals fascination at beating up defenseless mailboxes.

bcp · Oct 5, 2009

I believe the box must be approved only if you are selling it as a mail box. There are lots of web sites on building mail boxes.
build mail box - Google Search

Some areas have regulations on mail box construction so the box is not a hazard if a car hits it.
Mailbox Installation - Washtenaw County Road Commission

Bruce

Gary Fowler · Oct 5, 2009

You should notify the postmaster about any vandalizm of mail boxes. Even though you have to buy it, it is considered the property of the US Government and as such vandalizm is a federal crime. Back when I was a kid some one cherry bombed my Dads mailbox. The US postal inspectors came out took photos, fingerprinted the box the whole works. They took the destruction of US Mail deadly serious. I think they said if they caught the guy he would spend up to 10years in the slammer plus a healthy fine.
I like the idea of the 1/4" plate but to be really effective, it should look like a normal mail box.
I had a neighbor tell me once that some kept running over is garbage cans and smashing them. He went out one afternoon dug himself a big old deep and wide hole, cemented in a 6" pipe and stuck an old rusted out garbage can over it. He found the culprits vehicle the next day wrapped around the post. Kind of drastic, but it broke the kid of the habit and broke his vehicle also.

jdmar · Oct 5, 2009

Had the same problem (and another posting somewhere here about it.) I did find out a few things so far.

I painted a heavyduty metal one with the American flag. Only one minor hit so far (and I think it was the snow plow or garbage guys by accident. Seems even vandal idiots don't really want to destroy the flag. Also it is a serious offense to destroy the box--it is considered federal property becasue of its contents.

The biggest risk to you is injury to the vandals...go figure! Your box can be heavy duty but should be able to break away if hit with a car. In other words, make your steel box, but put it on a swinging or breakable support---pivoting post, wood post etc.

I 100% agree with your frustration. But I don't want the innocent person (you!) successfully sued for trying to stop the criminal. Remember that we live in this wonderful country call the US of A (and on that I am serious). But here the criminals have more rights than the hard working honest guys. I won't get political here no matter how hard I have to bite my tongue!
Best of luck my friend,
Peter

Egon · Oct 5, 2009

I have seen plans for a portable mail box that if hit by a car would probably require a tow truck to move the car.

rimshot · Oct 5, 2009

Gary Fowler said:
You should notify the postmaster about any vandalizm of mail boxes. Even though you have to buy it, it is considered the property of the US Government and as such vandalizm is a federal crime. Back when I was a kid some one cherry bombed my Dads mailbox. The US postal inspectors came out took photos, fingerprinted the box the whole works. They took the destruction of US Mail deadly serious. I think they said if they caught the guy he would spend up to 10years in the slammer plus a healthy fine.
I like the idea of the 1/4" plate but to be really effective, it should look like a normal mail box.
I had a neighbor tell me once that some kept running over is garbage cans and smashing them. He went out one afternoon dug himself a big old deep and wide hole, cemented in a 6" pipe and stuck an old rusted out garbage can over it. He found the culprits vehicle the next day wrapped around the post. Kind of drastic, but it broke the kid of the habit and broke his vehicle also.

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"Even though you have to buy it, it is considered the property of the US Government and as such vandalizm is a federal crime. " (Gary)
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Not if you live in Canada like I the original poster does

rimshot (big grin)