A Norfolk MP has hit out at Royal Mail for failing to replace a stolen post box, branding it a serious blow to rural villagers who depend on postal services.
The theft, which took place in December 2024, is part of a wider pattern of post boxes being stolen across the county.
A Freedom of Information request to Norfolk Police revealed that more than 50 post boxes had been stolen across Norfolk between 2019 and 2024, averaging to 10 thefts per year.
Despite repeated calls from North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone to replace the Felbrigg box, Royal Mail has yet to take action, prompting renewed demands this week.
A 'LIFELINE' FOR THE COMMUNITY
Mr Aquarone said: “The loss of the post box has been felt deeply by the Felbrigg community.
“Elderly residents have been left isolated, cut off from their friends and families, and unable to communicate with service providers or pay their bills.
"The village has very limited transport options and there are no safe pedestrian routes to any other post box provision.
"The loss of the post box was evident during the festive season, with many residents unable even to send cards to loved ones.
"Here we are, almost six months later, and no closer to a resolution.
"I urge Royal Mail to prioritise replacing post boxes in rural communities where they’re a lifeline for residents who rely on them daily for communication.”
POST BOX THEFTS CONTINUE
The Felbrigg theft is one of seven post box thefts reported in Norfolk in 2024. In 2022, thefts peaked at 14.
In 2023, the village of Pentney, near King's Lynn, saw three of its post boxes stolen, including a rare King Edward VII box.
Despite the rise in incidents, police have only identified six suspects over a five-year period - and none have been charged.
One offender admitted the crime under a Taken into Consideration (TIC) agreement - where crimes are formally acknowledged in court but not prosecuted separately - but no further legal action was taken.
According to Norfolk Police, 44 of the 51 investigations had no suspects identified, and all cases are now closed.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "It is encouraging to see an overall decline in post box thefts since 2022 and we continue to fully investigate any report of theft that we receive.
"Metal thefts take many different forms, but thieves have been targeting post boxes in Norfolk and Suffolk and particularly older boxes from the reigns of Queen Victoria and her son and grandson George V and George VI.
"Some steal them for parcels that may be inside, but others are stolen and shipped abroad as there is a keen interest in British memorabilia.
"All boxes are marked and traceable so when you're out and about keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously."
IS RESALE VALUE FUELING THEFTS?
The apparent ease with which the boxes can be stolen, coupled with their rising value, may be contributing to the problem.
People might assume that the thefts are a form of scrap metal theft, but experts say it is unlikely due to the fact the boxes are made from fairly low-value cast iron.
It is more likely the boxes are being sold to collectors.
Online, original cast iron post boxes - especially those from earlier monarchs - can fetch thousands of pounds.
Antiques dealer UKAA lists double cast iron pillar boxes for up to £12,995, describing them as “very rare,” while smaller single pillar versions can sell for more than £6,000.
Other listings were visible on online selling platforms such as eBay and Etsy.
Royal Mail
Royal Mail says each replacement is subject to review (Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
WHAT DOES ROYAL MAIL SAY?
Royal Mail has acknowledged the issue but said each replacement is subject to review.
In a statement, a spokesman said: “We fully understand how important access to a postbox can be for a community.
"We carefully consider a range of factors before deciding not to replace one, including whether nearby alternatives still meet regulatory access requirements, how frequently the original box was used and any safety or operational concerns.
"We always aim to balance service provision with practical constraints and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”