Recently, there have been reports of people placing non-mail items that did not bear U.S. postage in local mailboxes, including business locations. One item that appeared in certain mailboxes was very critical of a candidate running for Alderman in Manchester.
WMSR News spoke with the Manchester Postmaster Lonnie M. Williams and he said that mail is not placed in mailboxes by delivery personnel without postage.
The U.S. Postal Service recognizes customers may place non-mail items into mailboxes as a convenient way of “dropping something off,” but those items may cause a smaller mailbox to become full. When a mailbox is full, Postal Service regulations say the letter carrier cannot place mail in the box.
Additionally, the Postal Service has received complaints of flyers without paid postage being placed in mailboxes. Though many may be unaware, it is important to know that this type of activity is illegal by federal law. It may seem to be an easy way to advertise, but only U.S. Mail delivered by authorized personnel may be placed in mailboxes.
If you see someone placing items in a mailbox that is not associated with the home or business call your local post office and then police. If possible is important to get a description of the person or car they are in and a tag number.
The item placed in mailboxes in Manchester has been turned over to local authorities.
Illegal Mail Received at Manchester Locations
