A SHOP and post office owner has expressed her shock and anger after hooded raiders smashed a window and tried to steal the safe.

Julia Evans arrived at Parkend Village Shop and Post Office yesterday morning (Tuesday, October 22) to find her premises covered in broken glass from the break-in.

“I came in to work this morning to find glass everywhere and police tape across the front of the shop,” she said.

“They threw a brick through the window of the front door which was smashed and they also damaged the frame trying to gain access to the shop.”

“The man who lives above the shop scared them off when he heard what was going on.

“I feel angry and upset but relieved that nobody was hurt.”

The shop was closed yesterday while forensic officers examined the crime scene and repairs were made.

Police have appealed for information over the attempted burglary, which happened just before 11pm on Monday.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said the alrm was initially raised by a member of the public who saw two people who he believed had forced their way into the building before making off in a white car, possibly a VW Golf.

“The offenders had tried to remove the safe but had been unable to do so,” they added.

“One of them was carrying a weapon, thought to be a baseball bat or sledgehammer, and both were wearing dark hooded tops.

“The car was seen turning right from the post office in the direction of Coleford or Cinderford.”

Detective Inspector Dave Shore-Nye said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle and its occupants in the area either earlier in the day or as it was driven away after the unsuccessful burglary.

“Fortunately nothing was stolen and no-one was injured, but damage has been caused to the inside and outside of the property which is distressing to the people who live and work there.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 426 of 21 October.”