DETECTIVES are probing a series of bizarre post box thefts across the county.

Since the end of August 12 post boxes have been stolen from lamp posts and poles. The thieves have struck in Trowbridge, Easterton, West Lavington and Compton Bassett - as well as other villages in the south of Wiltshire.

The prized boxes are collectibles that can sell for hundreds of pounds.

PC Michelle Haley, who is based at Trowbridge police station, said: “There is a possibility that there have been further incidents which haven’t yet been reported.

“The thieves seem to be targeting post boxes in quieter, rural areas, and not only are they stealing the boxes but also the mail inside.

“These boxes may have been stolen for their scrap metal value, or perhaps because they may be collectable items, so we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you have seen any post boxes for sale in unusual or suspicious circumstances then please contact us.”

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "We has over 115,000 postboxes across the UK. The theft of postboxes is relatively rare.

"We take the issue very seriously and we work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent the unlawful removal of postboxes.

"These boxes are expensive to replace and their theft impacts heavily on local communities. We will always seek to prosecute offenders.

"We use preventative measures and technologies to deter theft. If customers have any concerns about their mail, they should contact our customer service team on 03457 740 740."

Postboxes are highly collectable items - particularly if they are older. On eBay, replicas alone sell for up to £250.

The boxes can also offer easy pickings for those who want to sell the items to black market scrap metal merchants.

While some boxes are stolen, others have disappeared for more innocent reasons.

At The Pitchens, Wroughton, Royal Mail removed the post box earlier this autumn as the locking mechanism no longer worked.

Graphic designer Stephen Wildish, who lives in the village, designed a cardboard replacement - mixing up the letters with hilarious results. The "PSOT OCFFIE" box was placed in the gap left by the missing box.

“I saw the empty space and thought that’s too good a chance to waste. It would be nice if it could be used as a community space or micro gallery," Stephen said.