ATMORE, Ala. — Police are investigating damage to numerous Atmore mailboxes and street signs that officials say happened in the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 4, and they are asking residents and businesses with security cameras to check their footage for a silver SUV that investigators believe may have been involved.
Atmore Police Department officials announced the investigation Sunday. According to the department, multiple reports indicate the damage occurred between approximately 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Atmore mailboxes and street signs damaged: what police say
Police said the damage affected numerous private mailboxes as well as street signs. Investigators believe a silver SUV may have been involved, officials said.
The department’s Criminal Investigation Division has taken the lead on the case.
“The Criminal Investigation Division is pursuing several leads and reviewing available camera and video footage.” — Maj. Chance Thompson, Atmore Police Department
Police have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects. Officials also have not released a list of the specific streets or neighborhoods affected, the total number of mailboxes and signs damaged, or an estimate of the cost of the damage.
Police ask residents to check their cameras
Residents and businesses with cameras in the affected areas are asked to review footage from that time period and contact the Atmore Police Department with any information or video that may assist the investigation, Thompson said.
Home security cameras, doorbell cameras and business surveillance systems have become an important tool for investigators in cases like this one, especially when damage happens overnight with few witnesses. Even a few seconds of video showing a vehicle passing by can help police establish a timeline, confirm the direction a vehicle was traveling, or capture details such as a license plate, distinctive markings or the number of people inside.
Tips for reviewing your footage
- Focus on the window police identified: roughly 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.
- Look for a silver SUV, which investigators believe may have been involved.
- Note the time stamp on any relevant clip, and keep in mind that camera clocks are sometimes off by a few minutes.
- Save or download the footage promptly. Many camera systems automatically delete older recordings after a set number of days.
- Do not attempt to confront anyone or investigate on your own. Share what you have with police.
Why damaged street signs are a safety concern
Damage to street signs can be more than a nuisance. Missing or damaged signs can make it harder for drivers to navigate, and missing or damaged street name signs can make it harder for emergency responders and delivery drivers to find addresses quickly. If a stop sign or other traffic control sign has been knocked down or damaged, the situation can create a hazard at intersections.
Residents who notice a damaged or missing street sign — particularly a stop sign or other regulatory sign — should report it to the city so it can be repaired or replaced. If a missing sign creates an immediate traffic hazard, residents should contact police.
What damaged mailboxes mean for homeowners
For homeowners, a damaged mailbox can disrupt mail delivery until it is repaired or replaced. Mailboxes are generally the responsibility of the property owner, and replacement boxes should be installed in a way that allows carriers to deliver mail safely and conveniently. Residents with questions about mailbox placement or how a damaged box may affect delivery can check with their local post office.
Residents whose mailboxes were damaged in Sunday’s incident should report it to the Atmore Police Department if they have not already done so. A police report can help investigators understand the full extent of the damage and may also be useful for insurance or other purposes. Taking photos of the damage before making repairs is a good idea.
Damage to mailboxes can be a federal offense
Mailboxes receive special protection under federal law. Willfully damaging or destroying a mailbox used for the receipt of mail is a federal crime, in addition to any charges that may apply under Alabama law for damaging property. Police have not said what charges, if any, could result from this investigation.
What we know and what we don’t
What we know:
- Numerous private mailboxes and street signs in Atmore were damaged early Sunday, Oct. 4.
- Multiple reports indicate the damage happened between about 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
- Investigators believe a silver SUV may have been involved.
- The Criminal Investigation Division is pursuing several leads and reviewing camera and video footage.
What we don’t know yet:
- Who was responsible for the damage.
- Exactly which streets and neighborhoods were affected and how many mailboxes and signs were damaged.
- Whether anyone will be charged, and with what.
About Atmore
Atmore is a city in Escambia County in southwest Alabama, located along Interstate 65 near the Florida state line, about an hour northeast of Mobile. The Atmore Police Department provides law enforcement services within the city limits, and its Criminal Investigation Division handles follow-up investigations of reported crimes.
How to contact police
Anyone with information, photos or video that could help investigators is asked to contact the Atmore Police Department. In an emergency, call 911. We will update this story if police release additional information or announce an arrest.
