‘It’s a lovely area to live – I am shocked’

Sally Eccleston

THIEVES forced their way into a post office then stole money from the cash machine.

Raiders broke the windows at Blythe Bridge Post Office in the middle of the night before fleeing with their haul.

It is the fifth time shops in North Staffordshire have been targeted in almost identical raids over a week.

Police are linking the first three burglaries but it is not yet clear if the latest two are connected.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “A full investigation is under way and inquiries are ongoing.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “There was an attack on the ATM at Blythe Bridge Post Office in the early hours. The people who run our Post Office branches provide important services to local communities.

“This type of crime is very traumatic for the retailer and we will be supporting the police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible.”

Families and nearby businesses were shocked to hear about the latest raid, which happened at about 2.45am on Thursday.

Chris Havill, director of Keys Estate Agent, said: “I have worked in Blythe Bridge since 2002 and I could count the amount of incidents that have happened in the area on one hand. It’s a lovely area to live in and has a lovely community. I am very shocked.”

Tina Corbishley, a Home Link volunteer, has lived in Blythe Bridge for 45 years.

She said: “It’s such a shame because the post office is due to close here and relocate in March. I doubt they’ll open again after this.

“I feel so sorry for them, they’re such lovely people.

“It’s ironic really because just across the road is an unused police station, which has been closed for at least nine years. Sandra Gadsby added: “I’m just glad nobody has been hurt.”

Jinnett James, from Forsbrook, said: “I wouldn’t expect it happen around here but you can’t be complacent, there’s good and bad everywhere.”

Anyone with information about the raid is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101.