Post office inside Bredgar Farm Shop targeted by ram raiders

Published: 11:00, 26 February 2015 | Updated: 11:13, 26 February 2015

A quiet village post office was targeted by ram raiders early this morning.

It’s understood a 4x4 Shogun was used to crash through the wall of the premises which is based inside Bredgar Farm Shop in The Street.

A strap was tied around the safe but the thieves were unsuccessful in removing it and fled the building empty handed.

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Postmaster Teresa Hudson and two police cars were called to the business after the alarm sounded at 1.30am.

But within seconds of arriving officers sped off in their vehicles in pursuit of the culprits.

A chase ensued through Hollingbourne and Ringlestone where the offenders set fire to the car in Ringlestone Road before making off in another vehicle.

The cover to a spare wheel and part of the bumper from the 4x4 were discovered at the scene of the crime along with a trailer that had been stolen from Faversham.

The burnt-out vehicle after the ram raid

It is the second time the premises have been targeted. In December 2005 a digger was used to gain access to the post office. The strong box was the target then too but again it wasn’t taken.

Mrs Hudson, who has held the role of post master for six years, said: “I’m stunned by it all.

“They smashed down the wall and come into the shop but they didn’t take anything.

The scene of devastation at Bredgar post office

“They were after the safe as they put a strap around it to try and move it. I don’t know how many people were involved.

“We don’t know how much it will cost to repair the damage. It’s a brick wall which was reinforced after the last raid.

“The farm shop is still open for business as is the cafe, the barber’s and dog groomers. It’s just the Post Office that’s closed.

"We’re not sure when we will re-open at this minute time. But we will re-open.

“It’s the inconvenience of it all. People use the Post Office every day, it’s very busy. They prefer to come to me than go to the Sittingbourne one because of the queues, plus there’s free parking.”