A fundraising page to support to the “lovely, hard-working family” that runs Chatteris Post Office has reached almost half of its £1,000 target after ram raiders tried to steal their ATM machine.

Cambs Times: Chatteris community rallies to help ‘lovely, hard-working family’ after thieves tried to steal cash machine from Chatteris Post OfficeChatteris community rallies to help ‘lovely, hard-working family’ after thieves tried to steal cash machine from Chatteris Post Office (Image: Archant)

Sue Gwynne opened a GoFundMe page to help shop owners Ramila and Satish after their shop was left extensively damaged following a ram raid during the early hours of Wednesday.

The Post Office in High Street has re-opened for business today as normal.

Twenty-nine people have so far donated to the page, raising £400 in just 20 hours. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/chatteris-support-po-ramraid if you wish to donate.

In a statement posted on Facebook last night, the owners of Chatteris Post Office, said: “We would like to say a massive thank-you to everyone for their kind words and support.

“They have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to them. The damage to the front of the shop is very extensive but we are very proud to be part of a town that has a wonderful community spirit.

“This is why we are determined to get back to normal as soon as possible to offer the Post Office services to the people of the town.”

Sue Gwynne, who set up the GoFundMe page, wrote: “Due to numerous suggestions and comments as to how we can help and show community support towards the lovely, hard-working family that run the Post Office.

“This is not to help with the rebuild (even though it was only recently refurbished) as it is assumed that insurance will cover this.

“It is about support in the interim period (loss of earnings, stress and effects generally).

“It is hoped we can raise monies to help with this and to show our wholehearted appreciation of the family and the much-needed post office as part of our community - and that we care enough to help.”

Deborah Azzouzi, who has given £30, said: “Happy to support our Post Office and show the owners that we care in their hour of need.”

Helen Gardner, who donated £5, wrote: “Try not to let this horrible event dampen your spirits. The very best of good wishes to your family.”

A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said yesterday (April 26): “We were called at around 4.10am to reports of an attempted robbery at a Post Office in High Street, Chatteris.

“The offenders attempted to remove an ATM machine from the front of the building but were unsuccessful and fled the scene

“Fortunately they left empty handed, however caused substantial damage to the front of the building.

“Anyone with information about the incident should contact the police on 101 quoting crime number CF0227870417.”

One man who lives on High Street said “I can verify that they had a very good try – the racket the made was extraordinary.

“Every resident from that part of the High Street must have been watching them in the end because we certainly couldn’t get any sleep - hardly master criminals.”

One eye witness said: “I live opposite Lloyd’s chemist, so I could see the vehicle tethered to something and trying to drag it from the shops.

“It was so noisy, with revving engines and what sounded like an industrial power tool plus lots of squealing tyres and shouting.”

Steve Nicholson said: “This is so upsetting. The people who run the post office are the nicest people, would help anyone.

“I hope the culprits are caught. This is totally unacceptable.”