A post box door was ripped off its hinges on Cameron Way in Pakenham, putting local residents’ mail at risk.
The vandalised mail pox was spotted by locals on Tuesday 14 June, with a few letters handed in to the local post office.
An Australia Post spokesperson said tampering with mail in Australia is a federal offence.
“Vandalism and damage to post boxes is considered criminal activity and Australia Post works closely with the police in reporting these matters,” they said.
“Australia Post continues to assess the security of its post box network and has introduced a range of new measures including upgrading security locks and installing additional security cameras to prevent this from occurring.”
Those who have damaged or lost mail can apply for compensation for items up to $100 in value.
Purchasing Extra Cover provides compensation for loss or damage for up to $5000.
Claims for compensation are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For more information, visit auspost.com.au
According to the 1989 Telecommunications and Postal Services Act: “A person shall not: fraudulently take a mail-bag, or an article in the course of post, from the possession of an employee of Australia Post; fraudulently take a mail-bag, or an article in the course of post, from any place appointed by Australia Post for the receipt or delivery of mail-bags or such an article; or steal, or fraudulently conceal, misappropriate or destroy, a mail-bag or an article in the course of post (including an article that appears to have been lost or wrongly delivered by Australia Post or lost in the course of delivery to Australia Post).
“A person shall not receive a mail-bag or an article in the course of post, or any part of a mail-bag or such an article, knowing that it had been stolen or fraudulently taken, concealed or misappropriated. Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years. Tampering with mail-bags etc.”
