A gang of masked men smashed their way into a post office in the early hours.
Passers-by said there was a terrifying tumult as the door and then the inside was smashed while the burglar alarm went off at the stores in Hurst.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm that there was a burglary at Hurst Post Office on Friday (November 17) morning between 1.30am and 2am.
“We are supporting the operator of the branch, who is assisting the Police in their efforts. We would urge anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
“Hurst Post Office was short-term temporarily closed and it has since re-opened. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused and thank them for their understanding.”
One passer-by heard banging and smashing. They saw four men, wearing balaclavas, come out of the post office with heavy tools, and look up and down the street. A silver VW estate car was parked outside with the boot open and the number plate covered.
“They must have been pretty damn organised,” they told Wokingham Today. “They were done a minute before the police turned up. The men were just really nonchalant and drove off. So brazen.
“They didn’t seem panicked, very cool customers. It was the most terrifying thing.”
Another passer-by said: “I heard a big bang and saw three guys, all in black. Two were inside and one outside. When a car was coming by they came out and sat in their car. When the passing car had gone they got out of their car and cracked on inside the post office.
“The gang then drove off and turned round at Tape Lane. It was just incredible. They were as calm as anything.”
Hurst residents have praised police officers’ support.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating a burglary that happened at around 2.10am on Friday, at Hurst Post Office in Wards Cross.
“Four males who were masked broke into the post office. Nothing was taken and they drove off in a car, eventually heading towards Wokingham.
“An investigation is ongoing and anyone with any further information should call 101 quoting reference 43230516557.”
No arrests had been made by Tuesday evening.
There was relief in the village that the raid happened when the post office and the village shop, both in the same building at Wards Cross on the main A321 from Wokingham to Twyford, were closed for the night.
The post office was open for business again the next day. Customers are now asked to reach the Post Office counter via the shop, with its exterior door now permanently closed.
