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Village post office reopens after two break-ins

Harriet Heywood,Cambridgeshire and
Tom Jackson,in Witchford
News imageTom Jackson/BBC Anil Sundavadra is standing at the entrance of the Post Office, which has been decorated with an arch of blue and gold balloons. The structure appears to be made of light-colored brick, and there is a sign in the foreground with partially visible text in bold blue letters. Tom Jackson/BBC
Owner Anil Sundavadra said the support of villagers was invaluable

A village post office that has reopened after being raided twice in two weeks has had extra security installed.

The shop in the village of Witchford, near Ely, was first targeted on 19 August when three men in balaclavas stole thousands of pounds in just four minutes, Cambridgeshire Police said.

In a second raid on 31 August, cash, alcohol and cigarettes were taken from the business, in a former Baptist church.

Rosemary Lacey, 77, the first customer after the reopening, said it had been greatly missed, particularly by older generations who could not travel to nearby towns.

News imageTom Jackson/BBC Ms Lacey is standing inside the well lit shop. Shelves on both sides are stocked with bottles of wine and other beverages. On the left, there are multiple rows of white and red wine bottles. She Is wearing a blue coat and has medium length white hair. She is also wearing glasses. Tom Jackson/BBC
Rosemary Lacey was the first customer to return to the shop after it reopened

Ms Lacey said it was "really important" to the villagers.

"The first time it was broken into there was an elderly lady out there who said she had nothing to eat today and couldn't get into Ely, she really needed the shop."

Nicole Barber, 54, said it made a "real difference in the village" and locals had rallied round to support it.

"It is incredibly important for people who can't drive and the older generation. It's a great asset."

Since the break-ins, inside shutters, metal doors, extra alarms and new CCTV cameras have been installed.

News imageCambridgeshire Police Behind a police cordon on a dark evening is an open door into the Post Office. The lights are bright inside and there are shelves of stock along the walls. Above the doorway is a sign that reads Witchford Baptist Church.Cambridgeshire Police
A safe was taken from the post office in Witchford during the first raid

Anil Sundavadra, who will have owned the store for two years in November, said he was on holiday when it first was targeted.

"It was really frightening, and they left a real mess behind," he said

"So as long of the village is backing us, we have the strength to fight all our problems."

Cambridgeshire Police said its investigation into the break-ins was continuing.

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