Maybe not new: preventive measure before Macy's Fireworks

[ka jowct]

My work route over the weekend included Avenue C along the FDR drive. The fireworks were n the East River this year. I noticed perhaps 2 days before the big event that mailboxes in that area had been fitted with locks and a warning notice. On the 5th, the locks and notices were gone. It makes sense to do this, but I have no idea how long this has been going on. Anyone know? Is it SOP for parades as well?

[archipirata]

I remember recently when a certain female candidate for president came to give a speech in town that the street where the risers and podium were set up had a mailbox that was locked with a notice on it.

[Lizabeth]

Not new since 9/11...

[OWC Jamie]

You'll notice all the garbage cans on PATH routes on Parade and Motorcade routes disappear overnight and return the next day too.
Recycle cans and boxes will disappear or get locks on them too.

After the IRA bombings in LOndon where someone tossed a bomb in a drop box many cities and the USPS used to physically unbolt the drop boxes and then put them back the next day . The USPS came up with those locks as physically removing the boxes was expensive.

[MikeF]

billb wrote:

Forward thinking for the Post Office -- the notice says "September 21, 20015". And they know what the Pope's name will be 18,000 years in the future...

[cbelt3]

.. and they tack weld the manhole covers down as well...

Next up should be a 'drone' (Quadcopter) defensive system. Hmm... Let's see....

Detection:
Portable radar systems placed for warning. Unfortunately that will also pick up birds. RCS of a mostly plastic drone is probably that of a pigeon. That means a lot of search band radar sweeping around. Alternatively or additionally an eye safe IR laser detection grid above the site.

Weapon alternatives:
Directed EMP weapon.
Directed jammer for controlled models.
Snipers firing fragmentation bullet (Timed explosive round ?) A VERY tough shot.
Directed GPS jammer for self-guided models.

[ka jowct]

Billb, yes, those are the locks. The notice just said "don't try to open or use the box". Apart from more sinister possibilities, I could easily imagine a kid with fireworks thinking it would be fun to drop one into a mailbox.