Ram raiders steal empty cash box from Ilkeston post office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/story-1 ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

RAM-RAIDERS smashed through the front of a post office and store – but only escaped with an empty cash box.

The incident happened at Checkley's, in Little Hallam Lane, Ilkeston, at about 9pm on Friday, minutes after the store closed.

Postmaster John Checkley, 65, was preparing for early-morning opening when a Ford Mondeo was slammed into the front of the premises.

The crash failed to force open the door but two masked men managed to partly force up the shutters before bursting in, while a third man waited outside.

They snatched an ATM cash box and ran out – but the money had been removed.

The car was left in place until it was checked by police for clues to its occupants.

Mr Checkley said: "You are expecting a big bang when a car hits but it was a surreal moment.

"You just wonder what's going off.

"We will just have to take our security up to the next level."

His wife, postmistress Mary Checkley, said the store's customers were "making them feel better by joking about it".

She said: "They are lovely and we have known many of them a long time."

The couple, who have run the store since 1981, insisted on keeping it open over the weekend despite the damage, which included smashed glass panels and the metal shutter jammed half down across the door.

Mr Checkley said: "Customers want their papers and what not and it's up to use to make sure they get what they need."

He added: "Since 1981 we've had a few things happen but never anything like this."

Police said the grey car was stolen from Shaw Lane, Holbrook, on October 19 and fitted with false number plates.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the car in recent days.

They are also asking whether anyone may have seen three men turn right after leaving the premises and then run down a nearby alley which opens on to Catherine Avenue and then Cavendish Road.

Officers are also keen to trace the ATM cash box, which is grey, about a foot long and four inches deep. It could have been dumped nearby.

Anyone with information should call Derbyshire police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.