Solved: case of the disappearing post box

By Thomas Felle

The mystery surrounding a post box that went missing from Aungier St has been solved.

Local businesses on Richmond’s Hill, just off Aungier St, were stunned when an unmarked van pulled up one evening and removed a post box that had been used by the area for more than twenty years.

Anna McHugh of An Post, helped solve the mystery. The post box was the final resting place for "everything from crisp bags to syringes", she said. "We decided to permanently remove the box because it suffered continuous vandalism over a number of years. Officers in An Post were acutely aware of the potential damage to post and decided it was in the best interests of their customers if the box were removed."

The box was sealed for the last time before Christmas after the lock was severely damaged by vandals who attempted to prise it open with a crow bar. The box was eventually laid to rest in mid January and was removed by a private company who were employed by An Post.

However, local businesses on Richmond’s Hill are furious over its removal. One local business owner is outraged that the company did not "even have the decency to inform people of their decision.

"Another local trader, Karl Brien of the Stationery Superstore, said: "The shop has operated here since the early 1980s, and we have always used the post box. The post was collected at 7pm so it was ideal for businesses who close late."

Under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act it is an offence to tamper with a post box. Anyone found guilty could expect a fine of up to £800 or a maximum 12 month sentence.