Thieves used a digger to break through the rear wall of Bearsted Post Office and steal a safe.

The break-in occurred at around 12.30am at the premises in Ashford Road.

The thieves first used the digger to smash down the rear fence at the property.

The safe contained an undisclosed amount of cash.

The digger was driven through the car park of The Cavendish Cafe and Tearooms to get to the post office.

Neighbour, Yvonne Riley, whose house backs on to the car park, said the police had interviewed her this morning. She said: "I wasn't able to help. We were in the front of the house and didn't hear anything."

The digger was later reported stolen from a building site 12 miles away on Pluckley Road, Charing. It is thought it was taken at around 10pm the previous evening.

The Post Office is closed today. The nearest alternative post offices are at Grove Green and Willington Street.

KMTV reporter Police crackdown after spate of ram raids

There have now been 14 ram raids across Kent this year - seven of which have been at Co-op stores.

Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call the police appeal line on 01622 604 100, quoting reference 13-0027, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111 or by completing an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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