POLICE are reminding homeowners and businesses to be vigilant when it comes to security following a burglary at a post office in west Cumbria.

Intruders activated the alarm at Great Clifton Post Office, near Workington, at 4am today.

They enter the premises after breaking the padlock on the door and once inside used an angle grinder to try to break into the safe but failed. About £80 in coins were stolen.

Police said it's thought offenders have been disturbed as tools were left at the scene.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "The crime shows the value of having good security measures in place. It's likely that without these precautions that safe may have been entered. 

"It's a timely reminder to all home owners and small business to keep up to date with security to make full use of it."

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the offence or who has any information to come forward. They are also keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the days leading up to the event. 

Contact DC Hodgson, of Workington CID, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.