A COMMUNITY post office was the victim of an attempted break-in once again earlier this week with thieves trying to rip the cash machine from its wall.

The Bradshaw Post Office, in Lea Gate, Bradshaw, was subject to the attempted break-in on Monday night.

It is believed the thieves were trying to wrench the cash machine away from the wall in order to steal a large amount of cash, as has been done on a previous occasion six years ago. But they were unsuccessful this time around.

Thieves tried to smash a window next to the machine to try and gain access, causing a substantial amount of damage requiring it to be boarded up immediately.

They were not able to smash the window to get to the machine, and fled after they were disturbed by passers-by, with boarding put up by police soon after due to the cash machine being exposed, with all cash now taken out of it.

The ATM is due to be removed from the post office, with this said to be bringing the process forward.

David Johnson, who works at the Bradshaw Post Office, has told residents the decision was made months ago.

He said: “The decision to remove the ATM was taken a few months ago and is nothing to do with the current damage.

“Apparently it is not being used enough, partly because of availability of ATMs opposite. We are awaiting an appeal on this but you can still withdraw cash from the post office. The ATM was emptied yesterday only because it was adjacent to the damaged window and therefore insecure.”

This post office has been hit by raids in 2017 and 2015. An incident in January 2017 saw a man threatening staff and demanding they hand over money before fleeing after staff set off an alarm.

In 2015 burglars escaped with thousands of pounds after blowing up the cash machine with an explosion that woke hundreds of locals. Thieves broke in through the window, gaining access to the rear of the machine before it was blown out of the wall, with the money taken.

A Post Office spokesman said: “The attempted robbery is for the police to investigate. What we can confirm is the police confirmed to the postmaster there had been an attempted robbery. The branch is operating as normal.”

Greater Manchester Police was approached for a comment.