What crime is blowing up a mailbox?

What crime is blowing up a mailbox?

Mailbox vandalism
Mailbox vandalism is a federal crime. If an officer catches your teenager smashing or blowing up mailboxes with friends, you may chalk their actions up to juvenile high jinks. Yet, failing to give their behavior a second though could come with serious consequences. Vandalizing mailboxes is a federal crime.

Can you get in trouble for hitting a mailbox?

Intentionally hitting a U.S. mailbox may constitute a federal crime, as they are protected under federal law. You may also be charged for accidental damage if you cause it while committing another crime, such as driving while intoxicated.

What happens if you vandalize a mailbox?

“If somebody vandalizes a postal mailbox, or steals mail and packages, that’s a federal offense either by jail time, a hefty fine, or both,” U.S. Postal Service spokesman Rod Spurgeon said. “If you see a crime that has been committed, call your local police that way you can report the crime.

Is stealing mailboxes a federal crime?

Mail theft as a federal crime In short, yes. The United States Postal Service is a federal agency. Because of that, the law categorizes mail theft as a federal offense.

What do you do if someone steals your mailbox?

Report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 or at www.uspis.gov. Keep Registered Mail separate from other mail. Require employees to sign for Registered Mail™ to establish accountability.

What do you do if someone hits your mailbox?

file a police report. submit a claim with the liable driver’s auto insurance company. purchase a new mailbox that is comparable to the damage one and keep your receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.

What do I do if someone breaks into my mailbox?

Notify your local police. Place your mail on hold if needed, until you repair or replace your box. Contact your Local Post Office if you need further assistance.

What do you do if someone breaks your mailbox?

Protect Your Mail and Mailboxes 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.

Is stealing mail a felony?

Under US Code 18 Section 1708, mail theft is a punishable offense and it is defined as taking any piece of mail that is not your own for any purpose. Charges for mail theft can result in up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Is it legal to throw away someone else’s mail?

In the United States, throwing away someone else’s mail is considered a felony. As with all federal crimes, there are serious penalties – including a fine of up to $USD 250,000 ($AUD 363,900) and/or a jail sentence of up to three years for each act of tampering.

What are the penalties for destroying a mail box?

1 Financial Penalties. According to the United States Postal Service, a single act of intentionally vandalizing a USPS approved mail box is punishable by fines of up to $250,000 in federal 2 Jail Time. 3 Community Service.

Is it an offense to vandalize a mailbox?

“Mailbox vandalism increases during the summer months, and we need to encourage everyone to be aware of any misconduct that may occur in their neighborhoods”, said Milwaukee Postmaster Kim Quayle. Mailboxes are protected by federal law, and crimes against them and the mail they contain are considered a federal offense.

How does a damaged mailbox affect your life?

Damaged mailboxes have to be replaced, costing the owner time, money and inconvenience. Meanwhile, the mail cannot be delivered. Many people depend on receiving monthly checks and other financial support through the mail, so doing without their mail negatively affects their lives.

What is the law about destroying letter boxes?

18 U.S. Code § 1705 – Destruction of letter boxes or mail