Police Investigate Shropshire Village Post Office Robbery

Police are investigating a robbery at a village post office near Shrewsbury where masked men forced the postmaster and his wife to hand over keys to the safe.

The couple were in bed when three men burst into their bedroom at Longden post office at around 2.30am today.

They were threatened by the men who brandished crowbars and were wearing balaclavas.

Police say the couple were forced to say where the safe keys were kept.  After stealing a quantity of cash, including a green carrier bag of £1 coins, the intruders left.

The couple were shaken but uninjured.

Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff, who is leading the investigation, appealed for information which might assist police.

"The intruders were only in the property for a few minutes having gained entry via a window.

"We are anxious to hear from anyone who passed through the village from around 1.30am to 2.45am who saw anything suspicious.  In particular, if they saw a car with occupants parked up which caught their attention, we would like to hear from them.

"We don't know how long the men were in the village before entering the post office.  It's also possible they were in Longden yesterday or at some point in the evening checking out the location.

"It is really important people call Shrewsbury police station on the 101 non-emergency number if they spotted anything at all which appeared odd or suspicious.  It might be connected so do call us."

She said the robbers' vehicle would have been parked close to the post office premises and appealed for information from anyone seeing a car in the village which "stood out" or possibly leaving the area at speed.

Forensic investigators are carrying out checks at the post office.  Neighbouring police forces have been alerted.

Issued: Friday, 03 February 2012