They have released an image of James Leslie Melbourne after he failed to show up at the Wodonga Magistrates Court on April 9 on a theft charge.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Melbourne and another man are accused of stealing an iPhone from the Optus Shop in Wodonga Plaza on January 7.

Melbourne is also wanted for questioning over the detonation of a powerful explosive device inside a Marshall Street concrete mailbox at 11am on March 28.

An initial warrant for his arrest was issued after the explosion.

Wodonga police Detective Leading Sen-Constable Ian Deverell said Melbourne was believed to be in Corowa or Albury-Wodonga.

“Anyone who sees this male is encouraged to call police,” he said.

Sen-Constable Deverell said someone may have been seriously injured or killed in the mailbox explosion, which ripped it apart and threw debris across the front yard and nature strip.

A young couple in their 20s who were living at the house were shocked by the explosion, while the sound was so loud it drew neighbours into the street to see what was going on.

Two boys from the Wodonga area, aged 13 and 17, were arrested the day after the incident and charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and criminal damage.

Police are yet to speak with Melbourne, who is alleged to have been involved.

Sen-Constable Deverell last night urged Melbourne to hand himself in.

If anyone has any information, phone Wodonga detectives on (02) 6049 2700 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.