POLICE are re-launching a campaign aimed at preventing attacks on post offices.Suffolk police's Operation Penny, which is being relaunched on Monday, is intended to stop post offices, their staff and customers becoming the victims of a robbery.

POLICE are re-launching a campaign aimed at preventing attacks on post offices.

Suffolk police's Operation Penny, which is being relaunched on Monday, is intended to stop post offices, their staff and customers becoming the victims of a robbery.

Research and analysis of past incidents has been carried out and the information generated has formed the foundation of a set of initiatives designed to combat the problem.

Officers will be calling on every post office in the county and advising staff on pro-active measures they can take to prevent a robbery, as well as what to do should they become a victim.

Posters and information packs have also been produced for the campaign, which has been re-launched to coincide of the clocks going back.

Det Chief Insp Rick Munns, of Suffolk police said: "Last year, no offences were committed in Suffolk during the period when we ran our campaign – from December to mid-January. Because of that success we are extending the period we run the campaign in an effort to deter offenders.

"High visibility patrols in the areas of post offices will be increased and these will be supported by use of the force helicopter as well as other groups from within Suffolk Constabulary's Operations Unit.

"Whilst all post offices will benefit from additional patrols, those identified as being more vulnerable will be subject to even greater police scrutiny."

He added: "Although our efforts are going to be concentrated on preventing post office robberies, post office staff and members of the public can play a key role in both preventing robberies and in helping with the early detection of an offence should one occur."

"I would like to urge everyone to make police aware of any suspicious behaviour observed within the vicinity of a post office.

"Early information could help us prevent a crime and, while I do not wish to go into the precise details of the profile of a typical robbery, I can say that is not unusual for offenders to spend time watching a post office that they intend to target.

"Make a note of the details of anyone who appears to be paying close attention to a local post office, include the colour, make and registration number of any car that they are using, then phone us with this information immediately, dialling 999 if appropriate."

Anyone who has any information about a post office robbery should call police on 01473 613500 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on freephone 0800 555111.