ANYONE who popped mail in the Australia Post posting box on the corner of Bridge and Denne streets might have lost the items forever after it was set on fire on Tuesday night.

The mail inside the box was destroyed after the vandalism attack, which occurred between 6pm, Tuesday and 10.30am, Wednesday.

The incident was reported to police. Tampering and interfering with Australia Post’s street posting boxes is an offence under the Comonwealth Criminal Code and can carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

Australia Post spokesman Scott McIntyre said vandalism incidents genuinely affected the community.

“The cost to local residents can be significant and difficult to quantify,” Mr McIntyre said.

“Residents may have to resend letters and in some cases, items of sentimental value, such as photos, may be lost

forever.

“Serious vandalism incidents like this one can also represent a public safety risk. We urge Tamworth residents to keep an eye out for their local street posting boxes and to be vigilant in identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour to local police, immediately.”

People who are concerned their mail may have been affected can contact the Australia Post customer service centre on 13 13 18.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old male has been arrested and faces nine charges after he allegedly set alight several wheelie bins in the Bridge St and Peel St area on Tuesday night.

Tamworth police Inspector Jeff Budd said the juvenile was given strict conditional bail and is due to appear in the Tamworth Local Court in August.

“Further investigations are taking place,” Insp Budd said.

“We had a good response from the community in terms of helping us with information about the vehicle, which allowed police to intercept it shortly after the fires were lit.”