POLICE are investigating the theft of four post boxes across Stockton.

The boxes were all stolen on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and were taken from Renvyl Road, north Stockton; Letch Lane, a country road near the village of Carlton; Harrogate Lane, in the Fairfield area; and Redmarshall village.

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said that the boxes would be replaced.

He said: "We can confirm that four postboxes in Stockton were stolen recently. Royal Mail has some 115,000 post boxes around the country and thankfully thefts of postboxes are relatively rare. We apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may cause. Customers can use other postboxes in the area or drop their mail off at any Post Office branch. All of the boxes will be replaced as soon as possible."

Redmarshall resident, Dave Watson, said the post box stolen in his village was a smaller one on a metal stand and was near St Cuthbert's Church. He said: "You hear that they're taking them because the price of metal is so high. I can walk to Carlton, our next village, to post my letters but of course it's harder for some people to do that."

Cleveland Police confirmed they are investigating and can be called on the 101 emergency number.

The Royal Mail said anyone with a query about their mail should contact customer services on 08453-740-740.