Stolen mailbox in 'better place', captors say

Pranksters who have stolen a distinctive New Plymouth letterbox have assured its owner it is safe in a "mailboxtopia".

The beer-barrel mailbox -- Keggy -- was taken from its home in suburban Bell Block more than a week ago.

Yesterday, the Taranaki Daily News received a letter signed by "The Mailbox bandits" which showed Keggy lying on a blue duvet with a copy of a news story about its disappearance.

It said Keggy was in "mailboxtopia", with all of the other mailboxes that had been "mistreated".

"Tell Mr van Praagh (the owner) that Keggy is in a better place," it says.

Doc van Praagh said: "I haven't mistreated Keggy, but I may have emptied his contents several times, with the help of many others."

He added: "I'm glad it is a prank and not a theft. It is good news to know that he is in good hands and is not being mistreated."

- NZPA