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U.S. Post Office box stolen from busy street corner

Bolted-down mailbox likely was filled with bill payments, Christmas cards, police say.

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 11:32 PM Friday, December 18, 2009

HAMILTON — A large, commercial-size U.S. Postal Service mailbox, likely laden with bill payments and Christmas cards, was stolen this week from a busy West Side street corner.

The bolted-down, blue and white bin was stolen sometime between Tuesday and Thursday in the 1200 block of Cleveland Avenue, said Hamilton police Sgt. Tom Kilgour.

“We have no idea how many people used that box,” Kilgour said, noting it likely was full due to the busy holiday season. “It’s a nightmare.”

Detectives are investigating and also trying to inform anyone who many have used the box to mail bills, letters, Christmas cards or packages, that their items now are likely in the hands of thieves.

“They probably took it someplace and opened it up looking for people mailing Christmas money ... and credit card information.”

Theft of mail and the government’s property is a federal offense, he said.

A regional spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service confirmed the theft but referred comment to the agency’s inspections service, however, an inspector did not return calls seeking comment on Friday.

Hamilton police are asking that anyone who put mail in the box this week, saw any suspicious activity or has any information about the theft call police at 868-5811 ext. 2002 or Detective Don Taylor at 868-5811 ext. 1299.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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