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Royal Mail say there has not been a single prosecution for thefts of mail from them over the last 12 months in either Tandridge or Reigate and Banstead.
Furthermore, it is refusing to give The Mirror specific details of any thefts from them over the last 12 months in areas with CR or RH postcode, claiming all of the cases are still live.
But they have admitted there has been almost 50 reported thefts from CR or RH postcodes between September 1, 2007, and September 2, 2008, resulted in thousands of letters and parcels going missing.
Having reported recently on a series of thefts and attempted thefts of mail, The Mirror put in a request under the Freedom of Information Act to find out just how widespread the problem was, asking for details of where and when any thefts of mail had taken place in the region over the last year.
Royal Mail Freedom of Information Act manager Colin Young said, however, it would not be in the public interest for this information to be revealed. He said: "These incidents are currently the subject of live enquiries. We have been advised to disclose such information could prejudice those enquiries and subsequent prosecution.
"Similarly to provide information regarding attacks on individual post-boxes may reveal areas of vulnerability and prejudice the prevention of further attacks."
But The Mirror is challenging this decision, having already reported on a number of incidents across the county.
Hundreds of families in Tandridge and Reigate and Banstead have received letters from Royal Mail warning them of thefts that may have affected them over the last year, and the police and Royal Mail itself has released details of these crimes already.
Royal Mail did reveal between September 1, 2007, and September 2, 2008, there were a total of 36 thefts from postcodes starting CR and 13 from postcodes starting with RH. They estimated that each theft on average would have had 120 letters or parcels each.
Mr Young said: "We take the problem of theft very seriously and have invested heavily over many years to protect the security of mail and our employees.
As the vast majority of all mail arrives safely at its correct destination only a tiny fraction is affected by theft. We work closely with the police to investigate and prosecute offenders and to ensure that all possible measures are being taken to prevent future attacks on the mail."
If you've received a letter from Royal Mail about possible theft then please contact reporter David Farbrother on 01737 732091.