Taking Someone Else's Newspaper from the Mailbox
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Question
Is it permissible to take a neighbor's newspaper from the mailbox (is there a difference if it's locked or not) (is there a difference between a free newspaper and a paid one)?
Answer
A newspaper that someone has paid for should not be taken, as it causes financial loss to the owner.
A newspaper or advertisement distributed for free, if placed in a closed box and the newspaper is preserved inside, should not be taken from there, as the owner of the box has acquired it.
If the box is open, or the newspaper protrudes from it, it depends on the dispute among the poskim whether the owner of the box has acquired it, and it is advisable to be stringent and not take from there.
Source
Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, Siman 200, Netivot HaMishpat (there), Makneh (Kiddushin 26).