The incident caused huge distress for the Post Office staff in the Knebworth branch
A Knebworth Post Office has been closed after being broken into which was "traumatic" for the staff. The incident occurred yesterday (Monday, March 6) at around 12.30pm when Herts Police were called to reports that a man distracted a member of staff at Knebworth Post Office, St Martin’s Road and went behind the counter.
A short time later, a quantity of cash was discovered to be missing from the till in a theft at the Knebworth Post Office, on 1 St Martin's Road. However, no threats were made and nobody was injured.
The incident caused huge distress for the Post Office staff in the Knebworth branch, and it was a traumatising event for those involved, a spokesperson said. The service has been closed in the Herts village near Stevenage due to the incident and it is unknown when it will re-open again.
Herts Police Detective Constable Rebecca Hargrave, of the North Herts Local Crime Unit, said: "I’d like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the image. It is believed he was in the area around the time of this incident and may be able to assist with ongoing enquiries. If you have information to assist the investigation, please contact me by email via rebecca.hargrave@herts.police.uk."
A Post Office spokesperson said: "Post Office can confirm there was a distraction theft at Knebworth Post Office on Monday (6/3) between 12.30 – 1pm. The people who run our Post Office branches provide important services to local communities.
"This type of crime is traumatic for the retailer and staff and we will be supporting the Police in their efforts. Post Office would urge anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
"It is not known at this stage when the branch will be able to re-open. In the meantime, alternative branches include Oaklands, Marymeads and Leaves Spring."
You can also report information online here, speak to an operator in Herts Police's Force Communications Room via their online web chat here or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 41/19074/23.
Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form here.