By Steven Stubbs/Reporter
TIFTON — Many residents in the local community have fallen victim to a recent spurt of mailbox vandalism. To express his concern, Dan Corrie has started a reward fund for any information that leads to an arrest.
Corrie started the fund in hopes that the incentive of a reward might encourage people to take this issue seriously. The first person who can give information that leads to the arrest of whoever is causing the damage will receive the reward. Corrie has contributed the first $50 into the fund, and welcomes all who wish to make donations.
“It seems to me that this fund could be a good approach,” Corrie said. “This will give the people of the community the opportunity to take charge rather than continuing to be the victim.”
Corrie is one of many residing on Carpenter Road who have reported their mailboxes had been destroyed. House after house in and around the Chula area has fallen victim to the vandalism.
“I have talked to people around here that have replaced their mailboxes three or four times,” Corrie said. “Whoever is doing this is really causing a lot of damage.”
The sheriff’s office has recorded 16 reports since Jan. 1 concerning this issue. Maj. Bobby Brannen of the Tift County Sheriff’s Office adds there are other cases that have yet to be documented.
“I would say there are probably other cases of this happening,” Brannen said. “A lot of people just don’t take the time to fill out the report.” Brannen said that damage to property that totals more than $500 is a felony, while damages under $500 is considered a misdemeanor. Al though Brannen wants to see the people causing all the damage get caught, he says that it is going to be very difficult.
“I have been working here for 34 years and periodically this happens,” Brannen said. “I would love to see them get caught and pay for the damages, but unless we can get some information we are just at a standstill.”
To donate to the reward fund contact Dan Corrie at CorrieDanL@aol.com or call him at 404-290-5243.
To contact reporter Steven Stubbs, call 382-4321.
