News

Here's the scoop on those missing post office drop boxes

By Amy B. Mccraw, Published: February 1, 2024

Postal customers in the last few days likely saw a welcome sight outside some local post offices. The familiar blue drop boxes that disappeared months ago have returned.
The boxes located outside Zirconia, Saluda, East Flat Rock, Flat Rock and other post offices in the area disappeared months ago after thieves damaged them while stealing mail held inside the boxes, postal officials said.
A report filed with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 30 shows that various pieces of mail were stolen from one of the boxes located outside the East Flat Rock post office on West Blue Ridge Road. The break-ins of other drop boxes outside post offices were also reported around the same time as the East Flat Rock incident.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating the drop box break-ins. Postal officials said the boxes were damaged beyond repair during the break-ins, forcing their removal. Special features needed for the new boxes delayed their installation. The new boxes have hardened exteriors and electronic locks officials said.
New drop boxes were installed outside Zirconia, East Flat Rock and Saluda post offices in recent days. Boxes outside other post offices were also scheduled to be installed soon.