Rules for letterboxing

These rules include common sense guidelines:

•Leave no trace

•Practice safety when planting or searching for boxes. If searchers could possibly run into dangers, include warnings in your clues when you plant a box.

• If you are planting a letterbox, paying attention to security concerns is extremely important. "Suspicious boxes" have been reported to the authorities and met their demise after being blown up by the bomb squad. While the authorities might be relieved to discover the box was not a bomb, they may not have been amused at the time and expense required to deal with the suspicious box. Take measures to ensure your letterbox is not mistaken for something more sinister. Use small containers such as film canisters that are less likely to be mistaken for bombs. Or use clear containers so people can see the contents from the outside and be assured there is nothing suspicious inside. Label the outside of your letterbox explaining what it is and provide contact information. When hunting boxes, practice security measures as well, especially in urban areas.

•Respect the area you are searching; respect the box by resealing and rehiding and by not vandalizing it; respect the privacy of others by not revealing publicly any information found in the letterbox. Don't ruin everyone else's fun!

•If you take pets or children with you letterboxing, make sure they follow the rules as well.