POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a substantial amount of cash was stolen from Yelverton Post Office over the weekend.

Thieves broke into the property to gain access to the premises, which is part of the Co-op stores.

Car tax discs and stamps, which are no longer in use, plus a quantity of the new £5 coins, which are not yet legal tender, were also taken.

Police are looking at footage from CCTV in the area and speaking to local residents. The burglary occurred between 5pm on Saturday and 8.10am on Monday.

DC Kevin Hunt said the criminals, who had made 'a concerted effort', would have been at the scene for some time and possibly would have had a vehicle.

'There are homes as well as shops in this area and if anyone saw anything suspicious we would like to hear from them,' he said.

'This may be a one-off burglary but we would ask people to be vigilant in case this is the start of a spate of similar crimes.'

Contact DC Pete Wilson at Tavistock Police Station or Crimestoppers if you can assist officers.