SHERWOOD, Ark. — Residents in Sherwood noticed more mailboxes are in pieces when they go outside. Now, they want answers.
Many new mailboxes have gone up with construction in Sherwood’s Stonehill neighborhood.
“We have a four-way stop. People do not stop,” resident Sharon Stuff said.
Several mailboxes in the neighborhood have gone down. Driving through the area, THV11 spotted three demolished mailboxes.
“It is like a speedway,” Stuff said.
Stuff said she’s gone outside to see her mailbox ruined too often.
“Our mailbox has been taken out four times,” Stuff said.
She’s not sure how it’s happened.
“After we have spent four or five hundred dollars fixing it every time, we decided to go with just the plain ole mailbox we could purchase at Lowe’s or Home Depot,” Stuff said.
Another resident said a security camera caught a driver running into their mailbox while texting behind the wheel.
The city doesn’t allow new speed bumps, fearing they’ll slow down first responders so residents are hoping police can stop who’s doing this.
“Our police officers are great when you contact them and that kind of thing. They want to help out, but they can’t be everywhere at one time,” Stuff said.
Sherwood police said drivers rarely come forward.
“Most of the time it’s done by a vehicle. People back into it and it kind of knocks it off its base other times their completely demolished and the vast majority of the time it goes unreported,” Sgt. Tyler Gaunt said.
It’s raised concerns for officers.
“Either people are distracted, they’re driving under the influence. Anything like that, that’s always a concern on the roadways and that’s why it’s important for people to communicate with the police department on their traffic concerns so we can get officers in those concerned areas,” Gaunt said.
Gaunt said if you accidentally run into one or notice your mailbox is down, it’s best to contact the Sherwood police non-emergency line at 501-835-1425.
“Keep your eyes on the road but if you do make a mistake and you hit a mailbox, stop and do the right thing, call the police department, and have an officer come out and make a report and we can handle it the right way,” Gaunt said.
Sherwood police said they will have more officers in the Stonehill area to combat the issue.