THIEVES made off with a village post box after detaching it from a telegraph pole.
The red Royal Mail box was stolen from a post opposite the Westgate touring caravan site, in Weardale, County Durham, some time between 6pm on Tuesday, October 5 and 6pm the following day.
Officers are now investigating whether it was removed for its contents, scrap value or as an artefact to sell to an unsuspecting buyer.
Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious around the post box in the 24 hours in question. They are also asking that anyone who is offered the article contacts the police.
Sgt Dave Lyall, of the Weardale neighbourhood policing team, said: "We are also aware that members of the community may have used the post box to send important documents, payments or other material.
"It is important that anyone who might have posted such correspondence makes contact with the intended recipients and Royal Mail."
Anyone with information should contact PC Frank Hewison at Stanhope Police Station on 0345-6060-365 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers free on 0800-555111.
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