Stroud post office break in put vulnerable at risk

The attempted raid at Paganhill post office triggered alarms at 5am on Saturday and left doors destroyed, windows smashed and security panels ripped from walls.

Thieves even tried to use a 4ft concrete post to smash through a wall but were still unable to access the branch and nothing was stolen.

Thieves used a 4ft length of concrete in an attempt to smash through a wall

The branch, which had to closed on Saturday but reopened on Monday, provides vital services including electricity top-ups.

Postmaster Robin Craig branded the criminals ‘the most stupid burglars in existence’ for putting people at risk as temperatures plummeted over the weekend.

“So many vulnerable people rely on our services and people were queuing to top-up their electricity before the snow hit,” he said.

“People could easily have been left without heating as the cold weather hit,” said Mr Craig.

“They must be the most stupid burglars in existence.

Despite smashing through the door panel glass the thieves left empty handed

“Even if they had succeeded in their failed attempt to get into the building, they would never have got through the high security glass to our three tonne, timed-access safe where money is kept.

“All that effort and damage, was for nothing.

“What makes me angry is that we have vulnerable people in our community who rely on our services.”

Over £2000 worth of damage was caused to the building during the attack

Mr Craig praised his staff who worked hard to clear up the damage and open the branch as quickly as possible.

“I’d like to thank the staff there for their response to the situation,” he said.

“They worked tirelessly to clear up broken glass and board up windows so that we could open the doors.”

There have been several raids on community organisations and small businesses in the area in recent months.

Staff raced to clear up glass from windows and doors to ensure that they could open the branch

“They’re not just stealing from some faceless company,” said Mr Craig.

“These thefts effect everyone, it’s just another nail in the coffin for community services.

“Someone must know who they are, we must stop them now.”

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire police said they were called just before 6.20am on Saturday by a member of the public who reported the incident.

Additionally the offenders tried to enter the post office by breaking into the adjoining village hall and forcing their way in from the rear of the building, but were again unsuccessful.

Both properties were damaged during the incident.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area or has any information which could help with their inquiries.

Call Gloucestershire police on 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk quoting incident 152 of March 17.