Gardaí in Co Donegal have appealed for the return of an unusual Queen Victoria-era post box which was stolen.
The box, which is more than 120 years old, was one of a small number in the Republic that pre-dated partition but remained in use.
Following the establishment of the new Free State and then Republic, post boxes were painted green as opposed to the red of the British boxes. However, some retained the VR symbol, for Victoria Regina (Queen Victoria) as well as the British crown.
Garda spokeswoman, Grainne Doherty said the post box, now owned by An Post, was taken from a pole in Fintown.
She urged anyone who came across the post box for sale to contact Ballyshannon Garda station.
Donegal Sinn Féin councillor, Gerry McMonagle described the theft as “unforgivable”. He urged whoever was behind the theft to return the post box or let someone know where it was.
“We can’t have people going around stealing public items such as post boxes and street signs,” Mr McMonagle said.
