CASH and benefit books were stolen when thieves broke into a sub-post office.

The burglars forced open a safe at Mills Newsagency and Post Office, in Hilda Terrace, South Pelaw, near Chester-le-Street in the early hours of Sunday after getting into the building through the roof.

Police say they then escaped with a four-figure sum of money and benefit books.

Detectives are now urging people who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to come forward.

So far, house-to-house enquiries by police have been hampered by people being away on holiday.

If you known anything about the break in, call Chester-le-Street CID on 0191-388 4311, or phone Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555 111.