Vandals busy bashing mailboxes

Vandals have been out bashing mailboxes around the Gainesville area recently, a crime that is costly to residents and difficult to solve.

The Ozark County Sheriff's Department is investigating 10-12 such cases within the past few weeks, mainly around Gainesville, Hardenville and Howards Ridge.

Ozark County Sheriff's Deputy Cecilia Clayton said she has no leads on the incidents.

"We're investigating them," she said, adding that anyone with information can call the sheriff's department at 679-4633.

"If people see a suspicious-looking vehicle, especially around their mailbox, they should try to get a license plate number or call us," Clayton said.

Would-be vandals should know that damaging a mailbox is a federal offense punishable with fines and a prison sentence up to three years for each count.

<p>Vandals have struck 10-12 mailboxes in the past few weeks, including this one near Hardenville.</p>