Bethel officials are reminding residents about the town's mailbox replacement policy.  If a mailbox or post is damaged as the result of snow removal operations, the  responsibility for making repairs is on the property owner.  The Bethel  Department of Public Works will not be responsible for mailbox damage from snow being thrown from removal equipment.  When a mailbox or post is damaged by direct contact from snow removal equipment, there will be an inspection to determine who is at fault--whether it's improper installation, or plow operator error.  If it's operator error, the mailbox or post will be repaired or replaced. Bethel officials say it's very uncommon that a mailbox is directly contacted with snow removal equipment, with the average at less than one percent.  Non-contact knockdowns average more than 100 or more per snow storm.