Two postmen were reportedly seen opening packages

Royal Mail has taken action against two postmen suspected of stealing parcels it was reported this week.

The men, thought to be contract workers delivering mail in Stevenage are being investigated by the Royal Mail’s internal fraud branch following reports of two postmen seen opening packages and parcels in the street by members of the public, a source said.

The report, confirmed by a Royal Mail insider, was neither confirmed nor denied by officials. A spokesman said the company, which has powers to arrest and prosecute individuals in association with the police, does not comment on investigations.

Last week two sacks worth of mail were found dumped in Sishes Wood, in the Chells neighbourhood of the town by Douglas Drive resident Mick Reece, who returned it to the Stevenage sorting office.

The 63-year-old, who voluntarily helps to keep the woods clean, said: “Some of it was concealed away from the path. The first lot had been there some time – it was wet and matted. There was mail from the NHS, and from the DVLA.

“Everybody round here has had problems with mail. It went on for a couple of weeks.”

In reference to the dumped letters, Royal Mail said on Wednesday: “We are grateful to the member of the public who returned several bundles of undelivered mail.

“This mail will be delivered to the addressees in the next few days with a letter of apology. We have identified which of our staff were responsible for that mail and will deal with the matter appropriately.”

He added the company has a “zero tolerance approach” to dishonesty and will always seek to prosecute “the tiny minority of people who abuse their position of trust”.