Mailboxes are vandalized near Refuge
Several residential mailboxes were reportedly hit and destroyed over the weekend near the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, south of Vian.
Several residents said they woke up Saturday morning to find their mailboxes had been struck with a hard object and/or destroyed by alleged vandals.
One woman said she believes the vandals were kids because not many adults would target a mailbox. However, she said others need to be reminded that destroying a mailbox is a federal offense. According to the website www.uspis. gov, “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 if convicted.”
To report a mailbox crime, call 877876-2455.
