A sledgehammer may have been used to smash open postboxes in a string of mail thefts across the area in the early hours of Sunday.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following thefts from nine post boxes – including ones in Bourne End and Cookham - which officers believe are linked.

It is believed offenders used a sledgehammer or similar object to damage the boxes between 2am and 4am.

Police say they fear large quantities of mail may have been stolen from the post boxes.

The incidents took place at post boxes in:

• Switchback Road North in Pinkneys Green

• Westwood Green, Cookham

• Hawthorn Lane, Slough

• Littleworth Road, Slough

• Hedsor Hill Top, Bourne End

• Hedsor Hill Bottom, Bourne End

• Camden Road, Maidenhead

• Waltham Vicarage, White Waltham

• Church Hill, White Waltham

Sgt Adrian Blades, from Maidenhead police station, said: “Officers are investigating the possible theft of mail and I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened.

“I would also appeal to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the early hours of Sunday in the areas where the post boxes were damaged.

“If you have any information which could help police enquiries or believe you may be a victim of the theft please speak to an officer.”

Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

The Royal Mail customer service number is 03457 740 740.