RAM raiders smashed a van through the front of Winterbourne Post Office, causing extensive damage to the shop and stealing a safe.
The thieves reversed a silver pick-up van through the plate glass window of the post office in Flaxpits Lane shortly before midnight last night, wrecking the shopping area.
Sub-postmaster Virem Chudasama says he and his family have been left stressed by the incident, which forced the closure of the post office today, as the debris was cleared.
But he has vowed to be back open for business as soon as possible, to earn a living and serve his customers.
Mr Chudasama said he received an alarm from the premises at around 11.45pm.
The police had already arrived as he reached the shop.
He said the thieves had taken a small safe from behind the counter, which was empty at the time, but had caused “a lot of damage” to the shop area.
Mr Chudasama (pictured above) said: “I’m very stressed – I didn’t sleep all night, last night.
“I was awake thinking abut the post office.
“I won’t be able to open it tomorrow, and it’s not good for my customers and for myself as well, because this is my bread and butter.
Back to business
“I will try to fix it as soon as I can and get back to business.”
Mr Chudasama was clearing wreckage from the shop today, and it was expected to be boarded up while repairs are carried out.
CCTV footage recorded in the area shows a pick-up van being reversed through the shop front.
An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: “Officers attended a business in Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, at around 11.50pm yesterday after we were notified of an alarm being activated.
“A silver van had collided with the building and two men were seen entering the shop.
“They left a short time later.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
Police are calling on anyone in the area who witnessed the incident or thinks they have doorbell or dashcam footage to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5225 017 923.
Top picture: A truck parked outside Winterbourne Post Office in Flaxpits Lane to collect broken windows, fittings and other debris from the shop, following last night’s ram raid.