Post office to get extra safety measures

A RURAL post office is to receive extra measures to improve security following a raid, which saw masked robbers burst into the store brandishing an axe and a gun.

The branch in Barton Mills near Mildenhall, was targeted two weeks ago but the offenders escaped empty-handed when postmistress Pamela Boura quickly activated the alarm system.

West Suffolk MP Richard Spring yesterdayvisited the store to discuss the measures, describing the raid as “distressing.”

He said: “I have said repeatedly how distressing it is that rural and small post offices in my constituency are subjected to raids and attacks.

“These branches are invaluable resources for small communities and the Post Office should offer them the maximum possible support.

“Sadly, the Post Office is intent on a widespread programme of closures. I am against this and have made it entirely clear to the management.”

Mrs Boura activated the alarm system after the masked men burst into her branch, taking refuge behind the counter for her own protection.

“It was not a very pleasant thing to happen to anybody, but if you do this job you know you have to be prepared for it,” she said after the incident.

“The reassuring thing about it is that the systems all worked and they left without taking anything.”

Mrs Boura said extra security measures would be taken by Post Office bosses in the light of the incident.

But a spokesman for the Post Office yesterday refused to comment specifically on the case,

He said: “The safety and security of our customers and staff is of paramount importance to Post Office Ltd.

“Security is reviewed on an ongoing basis at all branches, and we work closely with the police on any security incidents. Post Office Ltd cannot comment on specific security issues for obvious reasons.”

nTwo men arrested in connection with the robbery at Barton Mills have been bailed to return to Bury St Edmunds Police Station in March.