String of Destroyed Mailboxes Found in Poughkeepsie Neighborhood

(DISCLAIMER: I am not and do not claim to be a law expert. This is not legal advise. Please speak with a legal official for proper consultation)

I woke up Sunday morning and went out to run some errands. On my route, I noticed that several mailboxes around my neighborhood were demolished. Some of them were completely toppled over while others just had the box laying on the ground. The houses effected were not next door neighbors; however, they were all in the same immediate neighborhood, mostly on the same street.

The Poughkeepsie neighborhood in question is not far at all from the radio station. Fulton Street, where majority of the down mailboxes were found, connects Marist College and Dutchess Community College. This area is a major residential area, housing both families and college renters. Not to mention, it is near Violet Avenue Elementary School and the Fairview Fire District. Over the years, I have seen damaged mailboxes in this neighborhood from reckless driving or vandals, but never this many all at once. As of writing this article, it is unknown how these mailboxes were damaged.

Can You Go to Jail for Destroying a Mailbox in New York?

According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, damaging a mailbox is a criminal act. Mail cannot be delivered to a damaged mailbox, and mailboxes cost money to replace. Plus, the mail inside will be destroyed and that could be important documents, necessary medicine, or priceless family treasures.

Mailboxes are protected by federal law and crimes against mailboxes (and the mail inside) are investigated by Postal Inspectors. Those who are convicted of destruction of federal property could spend up to three years in jail and be fined up to $250,000.

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For those thinking that they can get away with destroying a mailbox, whether on purpose or by accident, think again. With the increase in front door doorbell cameras, sensor cameras, and 24/7 home security cameras, there is a greater chance of getting caught on camera and being convicted. All it takes is the camera getting your car's make, model, and license plate, and boom! You're in jail and/or paying up to a quarter of a million dollars.

If you know of someone who committed an act of mailbox vandalism, report it to the Postal Inspectors. If you see someone actively tampering with a mailbox, immediately report it to the police.