What is mailbox baseball?

Severe injury to the vandal will most likely occur.) Mailbox baseball or “mailboxing” is the act of using a baseball bat or other objects to knock over, dent, or smash roadside mailboxes by a passenger in a car. It can either be played as a game with score kept similar to baseball, or just done for fun.

Similarly one may ask, is mailbox baseball a felony?

A jury this spring found Reihel not guilty. Because the postal service considers mailboxes to be government property, destroying one is a federal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each charge.

Additionally, is Destroying a mailbox a crime? Mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), makes it a crime to vandalize them (or to injure, deface or destroy any mail deposited in them). Violators can be fined up to $250,000, or imprisoned for up to three years, for each act of vandalism.

Regarding this, how do I keep my mailbox from being smashed?

Encase your mailbox in a protective wood or metal casing. Using scraps of 2-by-4 lumber or rebar, build a cage or house for your mailbox that will withstand a beating by a baseball bat. Attach the casing firmly to your mailbox and post; it won't work if the vandals can easily remove it.

Is it illegal to hit a mailbox?

Intentionally hitting a U.S. mailbox may constitute a federal crime, as they are protected under federal law. You may also be charged for accidental damage if you cause it while committing another crime, such as driving while intoxicated.

28 Related Question Answers Found

Does homeowners insurance cover mailbox damage?

Your home insurance is designed to cover damage to your home that causes you loss. If someone hit your mailbox, that could be considered a covered loss. Most of the time, in an instance like this, you would try to file a police report and force whoever is to blame to replace the mailbox.

What is the penalty for hitting a mailbox?

Mailboxes are protected by federal law, and crimes against them and the mail they contain are considered a federal offense. Violators can be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned for up to three years for each act of vandalism.

What is considered mailbox tampering?

Your mailbox is not your own; legally, it belongs to the United States Postal Service. This means that tampering with the mailbox is a federal offense. "Mail tampering" has a broad meaning and includes any act that might obstruct the delivery of mail, from vandalizing the mailbox to delivering a few innocent flyers.

What do you do if someone smashes your mailbox?

If your mailbox was hit by a baseball bat, a bullet or otherwise vandalized, contact law enforcement immediately. Often these attacks are not isolated incidents, and a suspect may already be in custody. Courts often require restitution when sentencing in vandalism cases, but it may take a while to obtain reimbursement.

How do you reinforce a mailbox?

Mailbox posts inevitably start to lean and loosen over time.

Choose firm materials, such as rocks, cut-down cedar shingles, or even mixing concrete.
Using a level, move the post so that it is straight up and down.
Wedge materials next to the post to fill the gaps, ensuring the post stays straight.

Is stealing from a mailbox a federal offense?

Yes, you could be charged with a felony. The United States Postal Service (USPS) moves billions of pieces of mail every year. Because the USPS is a federal agency, mail theft is charged as a federal offense. Conviction of any federal crime, even mail theft, can result in significant federal prison time and fines.

How much does a plastic mailbox cost?

Letter-size mailboxes made of plastic or inexpensive metal[8] cost $11-$50 and can be found at any home improvement store. Wall-mount mailboxes made from brass or bronze or finished with nickel[9] , can cost from $100-$300.

How do I report a vandalized mailbox?

If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, report it to your local Post Office™ or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

How do I secure my mailbox?

Protect Your Mailbox From Thieves With These 8 Simple Steps

Check your well-secured mail regularly.
If you are going away, improve your security by stopping mail delivery.
Keep your mail out of sight and remember to shred the junk mail.
Visit your local post office and get yourself the Label 33.
Make sure you report any incident of theft.
Keep your mailbox in good condition.

What is the best mailbox post?

Best Sellers in Mailbox Posts

#1.
Mail Boss 7121, Black In-Ground Mounting Post, 43 x 4 x 4 inches, for Use with Mailbox.
Gibraltar Mailboxes Landover Aluminum Black, Mailbox Post, LP000B00.
Gibraltar Mailboxes Brighton Galvanized Steel Black, Universal Mailbox Post, BP000B01.

Can I build my own mailbox?

Curbside Mailboxes

If you build your own mailbox or buy a custom-made one, it must meet the PMG standards. Show your local postmaster your mailbox plans or your custom-made box for approval. To get drawings and measurements for building your own mailbox, write to US Postal Service Engineering.

What does black tape on mailbox mean?

The most common theory is that the black tape is used by thieves to "mark" targets, possibly to identify dogs at home, or to hit dog circles. Others reportedly say house, who is easily targeted for robbery, has been taped.

What side of the road does the mailbox go on?

right

How do I protect my mailbox from vandalism?

Mailbox vandalism has become a lot more common than it used to be.

Secure Your Mail from Vandalism and Theft

Always Report Theft.
Keep Your Mailbox in Good Shape.
Get Label 33.
Reposition Your Mailbox.
Get a Metal Mailbox.
Install Cameras.

How do I install a new mailbox post?

HOW TO INSTALL A POST-MOUNTED MAILBOX.
DIG POST HOLE. USPS requirements state that a mailbox can be no taller than 45 inches above street level.
INSERT MAILBOX POST.
POUR THE CONCRETE.
ALLOW CONCRETE TO SET.
ATTACH THE MAILBOX PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.
ADD STREET NUMBERS.
DRESS IT UP.

What are felony charges?

Felonies are usually crimes that are viewed severely by society and include crimes such as murder, rape, burglary, kidnapping, or arson. However, felonies can also be punished in a range of ways so that the punishment matches the severity of the crime.

Does the post office own my mailbox?

Who Owns your Mailbox? Homeowners need to be aware that even though they purchased and maintain the residential mailbox, the mailbox belongs to and is controlled by the USPS (United States Postal Service). That means that any tampering of the mailbox is a federal offense.